IMAP

IMAP, or Internet Message Access Protocol, is a standard email protocol that allows users to access and manage their emails on a remote server. Developed by Mark Crispin in 1986, IMAP enables users to view and organize their emails on multiple devices without downloading them locally, providing a synchronized and consistent email experience.

IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) is an email retrieval protocol designed to enhance the user experience by allowing access to email messages stored on a mail server. Created by Mark Crispin at Stanford University in 1986, IMAP was developed to address the limitations of earlier protocols like POP (Post Office Protocol). Unlike POP, which downloads emails to a single device and often removes them from the server, IMAP retains messages on the server, providing the ability for multiple devices to access and manage the same email account simultaneously. This makes IMAP particularly advantageous in a multi-device environment, as changes made (e.g., reading or deleting emails) are reflected across all devices. IMAP supports various features such as folder management, message flagging, and server-side searches, making it a versatile and efficient protocol for email communication.