Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) is a foundational technology that governs the transfer of email messages across the internet. It facilitates the sending and receiving of emails, ensuring that messages are routed from the sender’s mail server to the recipient’s mail server effectively. SMTP works by defining the rules and standards for email transmission, allowing different email clients and servers to communicate seamlessly.
When you send an email, your email client connects to the SMTP server, which processes the message and determines the best route for delivery. This involves looking up the recipient’s domain and forwarding the email to the appropriate mail server. SMTP is particularly important for handling outgoing messages, while other protocols like IMAP and POP3 manage incoming mail. Understanding SMTP is essential for businesses and individuals relying on email communication, as it underpins the functionality of email services and affects deliverability.