SMTP stands for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. It is a protocol used for the transmission of emails over the Internet. SMTP facilitates the transfer of emails from a client (such as an email client on your computer or smartphone) to an email server and between email servers.
In essence, SMTP works by having the sender send an email to the SMTP server. The SMTP server is responsible for forwarding the email to the recipient. The SMTP server plays a crucial role in routing and transmitting the email from one server to another.
It's important to note that SMTP is generally responsible for sending emails but not for receiving them. The reception of emails is typically governed by protocols such as the Post Office Protocol (POP) or the Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP).
SMTP is used in conjunction with other protocols like MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) to enable the transmission of attachments and formatted messages. It is an essential component of the email system and plays a crucial role in the global exchange of electronic mail.
