Email Server
An email server is a software application or system that handles the sending, receiving, and storage of email messages over a network, typically using protocols like SMTP, IMAP, and POP3. It acts as a central hub for email communication, managing user accounts, message routing, and security features such as spam filtering and encryption. Common implementations include Postfix, Microsoft Exchange, and Dovecot, which can run on various operating systems like Linux or Windows.
Developers should learn about email servers when building applications that require email functionality, such as user registration, notifications, or marketing campaigns, to ensure reliable and secure message delivery. This is crucial for system administrators managing corporate email infrastructure, developers integrating email APIs, or those working on email client software, as it helps troubleshoot issues, optimize performance, and comply with security standards like TLS and DKIM.