SMTP
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
What is SMTP?
SMTP or Simple Mail Transfer Protocol is an application that is used to send, receive, and relay outgoing emails between senders and receivers. When an email is sent, it’s transferred over the internet from one server to another using SMTP.
In laymen language, SMTP is simple decorum that is followed by emails for transmission through out the internet. In more plain terms, SMTP can be considered as a post office where sender deposits their email and it delivers to the receiver’s local post office i.e. another SMTP server.
Fun Fact – SMTP is able to transfer only text, it can’t handle fonts, graphics, attachments etc. That’s why you call it SIMPLE mail transfer protocol
You use MIME or Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions to send non-text content like multimedia. In the transformed format, SMTP is cajoled into transferring the data.z
Advantages of SMTP
- All you have to do is use your credentials and it will work.
- In case of failure, the message will include an explanation about why email failed to be delivered.
- It is extremely easy to start using mail for your transactional emails. All you have to do is exchange ceremonial and you are set to go. Unlike with API, where coding is required.
Limitations of SMTP
- Some firewalls can block port commonly used with SMTP.
- Security matter for SMTP is worse.
- Transmission of binary files using SMTP is not possible without converting it into text files. Use MIME to send mail in another format.
- It is usefulness is limited by its simplicity.
- It is limited to only 7 bit ASCII characters.
- SMTP servers may reject all mail messages beyond some specific length.
- Usually require more back and worth conversion between servers in order to deliver your message, Which can delay sending and also increase the chance of the message not being delivered.
Requirements
All The Things You Need For Smtp Configuration
Host Adress
Server host address is required to authenticate users or tools for sending outgoing messages using your email address.
Port Number
A port number is a way to identify a specific process to which the Internet or other network message is to be forwarded when it arrives at a server.
Encryption
Email encryption is encryption of email messages to protect the content from being read by other entities than the intended recipients.