!! What is LDAP
LDAP or [Lightweight Directory Access Protocol|LDAP] is a set of [LDAP Protocol Exchanges] that defines the method by which data is accessed. 

[LDAPv3] is a standard defined by the IETF in [RFC 2251]

Necessarily, it also defines and describes how [data] is represented in the [Directory Service] (the Data Model or [DIT]). 

Finally, it defines how [data] is loaded into (imported) and saved from (exported) a directory service (using [LDIF]). [LDAP] does not define how [data] is stored or manipulated. [Data Store|DataStore] is an 'automagic' process as far as the standard is concerned.

For another good over view of [LDAP] try [http://www.zytrax.com/books/ldap/] NOTE: Even if you are using [eDirectory] vs [OpenLDAP] as referenced in the article, but most of the the [LDAP] references should be valid across [LDAP Server Implementations].

!! [LDAP Protocol Exchanges]
Each [LDAP Message] is transmitted on the wire as an [single integer|LDAP Result Codes] which is one of the reasons LDAP is "Lightweight".

In other words, [LDAP Protocol Exchanges] define everything you can do with [LDAP] and they must be performed individually. (i.e. you can NOT perform a modify and search in the same operation).

!! [Comparing LDAP and SQL]
Although [Comparing LDAP and SQL] is a common discussion, it is really comparing Apples and Oranges. 


!! More Information
There might be more information for this subject on one of the following:
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