SMTP Server
An SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) server is a software application or service that handles the sending, receiving, and relaying of email messages over the internet using the SMTP protocol. It acts as a mail transfer agent, routing emails from senders to recipients by communicating with other SMTP servers and managing delivery queues. SMTP servers are essential components of email infrastructure, ensuring reliable transmission and often integrating with authentication and security mechanisms.
Developers should learn about SMTP servers when building applications that send transactional emails (e.g., notifications, password resets), newsletters, or automated alerts, as they provide a standardized way to handle email delivery programmatically. It's crucial for tasks like configuring email services in web apps, debugging email delivery issues, or implementing custom email solutions, especially in scenarios involving high-volume sending or integration with third-party email providers.