SERVER: IMAP (en)

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In computing, the Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP) is a standard Internet protocol used by email clients to retrieve email messages from a mail server via a TCP/IP connection. IMAP is defined by RFC 3501.

IMAP is designed to enable complete management of a mailbox by multiple email clients. As a result, clients generally leave messages on the server until the user explicitly deletes them. IMAP servers typically listen on port number 143. IMAP over SSL (IMAPS) uses port number 993.

Nearly all modern email clients and servers support IMAP. IMAP and the earlier POP3 (Post Office Protocol) are the two most common protocols for email retrieval, with many webmail service providers such as Gmail, Outlook.com, and Yahoo! Mail also offering support for both IMAP and POP3.