JNDI stands for “Java Naming and Directory Interface,” and it is a Java-based API (Application Programming Interface) that provides a standard way for Java applications to interact with naming and directory services, such as LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) servers and DNS (Domain Name System) servers. JNDI is particularly useful for managing and accessing resources in a distributed computing environment.

Here are some key concepts and uses of JNDI:

1. Naming and Directory Services: JNDI allows Java applications to interact with naming and directory services to look up and manage objects and resources. These services provide a hierarchical naming structure and typically store information about network resources, configuration settings, and other objects.

2. Resource Lookup: JNDI enables Java applications to look up resources and objects in a standardized way. This can include database connections, messaging queues, and other resources needed for application functionality.

3. Naming Context: JNDI uses naming contexts to organize and manage objects in a hierarchical structure. Each naming context corresponds to a directory or namespace within the naming service. Applications can navigate through these contexts to locate objects.

4. Binding and Unbinding: JNDI allows you to bind (associate) Java objects or resources with names within a naming context. You can also unbind (remove) these associations.

5. Resource Configuration: JNDI can be used for configuring resources and services within an application. It allows you to specify how resources are obtained and managed, making it easier to switch between different resource providers without changing application code.

6. Distributed Applications: JNDI is particularly valuable in distributed applications where resources and services are located on remote servers or across a network. It provides a consistent way to access these resources.

7. Java EE (Enterprise Edition): JNDI is commonly used in Java EE applications for resource management, such as database connections, JMS (Java Messaging Service) destinations, and connection factories. Java EE containers provide JNDI contexts for these resources.