LinkedIn is a professional networking platform founded in December 2002 by Reid Hoffman and his team. It officially launched on May 5, 2003, and has since grown significantly, becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Microsoft in December 2016. The platform started with around 245 members and quickly expanded, reaching 1 million users by August 2004. LinkedIn offers a variety of services aimed at connecting professionals and enhancing career development. Users can create profiles to showcase their work experience and skills, search for job opportunities, and share content related to their professional interests. Additionally, LinkedIn Learning provides a library of courses for skill development, while employers can utilize recruitment tools to post job openings and find candidates. The platform serves both individuals and organizations across various industries, facilitating networking and career advancement.