title: What is the purpose of the Microsoft Loopback Adapter?
body: <p>Just as the question says, what is the Microsoft Loopback Adapter, and as a bonus, what scenerios as a developer would it be useful? I've noticed it's been required when installing a couple of applications to my machine, but aside from guessing, I've never have had a sturdy understanding of it's functionality.</p>
  
  <p>I've read a couple of articles online, but nothing really made me "get it".  While I don't need a hugely complex answer, a little explaination would be very useful.</p>
  
  <p>Thanks!
  George</p>