Active Directory Authentication Library for SQL Server 14.0.3015.40

The Active Directory Authentication Library for SQL Server is a software library developed by Microsoft Corporation. It is designed to simplify authentication and authorization for applications that use Microsoft SQL Server. This library allows developers to use Active Directory to authenticate users and groups and thereby, enhances the security of applications.

Using ADAL, developers can create applications that can sign users in with their Active Directory credentials. ADAL provides a seamless single sign-on experience for users who are already signed in to their organization's network. This authentication method means that users do not need to remember additional usernames and passwords, enhancing the overall user experience.

ADAL also supports multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA is an added layer of security that requires users to provide two or more credentials to access an application. With ADAL, developers can implement MFA using Azure Active Directory, which is a cloud-based identity service that authenticates users and applications.

Developers can use ADAL with a variety of programming languages, including .NET Framework, .NET Core, and Java, among others. The library provides APIs for acquiring tokens and managing authentication flows in applications. Additionally, ADAL provides features like token caching and token refreshing to improve performance and reduce the number of authentication prompts shown to users.

The Active Directory Authentication Library for SQL Server is a valuable tool for developers who want to create secure, single sign-on experiences for their applications. With ADAL, developers can leverage existing Active Directory infrastructures and integrate with Azure Active Directory to provide enhanced security features like MFA.