Learn about the IMAP protocol
Internet Messaging Access Protocol (IMAP) is an Internet standard that describes a protocol for retrieving mail from email servers. When using IMAP, you can sync applications on multiple computers to access the same email account, to display the same status and message.
IMAP helps sync emails
Typically, email is stored and organized in folders on the email server. The email client on the computer and mobile device copies the structure, and then synchronizes the actions (such as deleting or moving mail) with the server. With IMAP, you can seamlessly move mail between folders and keep the account view, whether you're accessing the account directly or via the client.
IMAP is a recent and more advanced standard for storing and retrieving mail compared to Post Office Protocol (POP). Readers can refer to the article: Differentiate POP and IMAP for more details.

Disadvantages of IMAP
The advanced features of IMAP make it more complicated. For example, after you send mail via SMTP, it must be sent back via IMAP to save in the Sent folder of the IMAP account.
IMAP is difficult to implement, and IMAP email clients and servers may differ in standard interpretation. Developers may find it difficult to deploy a part and their own extensions, as well as encounter bugs. Users may find the email function to be slow and sometimes unreliable.
IMAP extension
The basic IMAP standard allows for the expansion of individual protocols and commands in it. Many IMAP extensions have been identified or implemented. Some of the most popular utilities are listed below.
- IDLE activates real-time notifications for received emails.
- SORT organizes messages at the server so that the email program can fetch certain emails without downloading them all.
- THREAD allows email clients to retrieve related messages without downloading all mail in one folder.
- CHILDREN implements a directory hierarchy.
- AccessControlList (ACL) assigns permissions to each user in each IMAP folder.
A complete list of IMAP extensions can be found in the Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP) Capabilities Registry. In addition, Gmail also includes a few extensions specific to IMAP.
You should read it
- How to set up an IMAP server for an Outlook.com account
- 4 reasons to use IMAP service
- How to set up Gmail to use IMAP
- Differentiate POP and IMAP
- 4 reasons to switch to IMAP
- How to set up IMAP / POP, CalDAV or CardDAV accounts on iPhone or iPad
- Add Gmail account to Outlook 2010 with IMAP
- How to turn on POP / IMAP Gmail to use in Outlook
May be interested
- 4 reasons to switch to IMAPwhen you receive an email using imap, your email client creates an internal copy, but a copy is also maintained on the computer (until you delete it).
- How to set up IMAP / POP, CalDAV or CardDAV accounts on iPhone or iPadif you don't use a large online service provider, you can still set up and use any standard email, calendar, and / or directory services you like, including your own online service. friend.
- Learn about Telnet protocoltelnet is a command line protocol used to manage various devices such as servers, pcs, routers, switches, cameras, and remote firewalls.
- Learn about SSHssh protocol (also known as secure shell) is a method for secure remote login, from one computer to another computer.
- Learn about Border Gateway Protocol (BGP)border gateway protocol (bgp) is used to exchange routing information for the internet and is the protocol used between isps (which are different ass).
- How to set up POP server for Outlook.com accountare you looking to install pop 3 server for outlook.com to add outlook.com account to another email application that supports pop or imap? read this article to learn how to set up pop server for outlook.com account.
- Check email encryption processto facilitate this analysis, it is good to 'talk' directly to your smtp or imap server.
- How to add and delete Email accounts on Mac, iPhone and iPada user often has multiple email accounts such as personal email, work email, etc., and it is convenient to check all your email accounts on your computer and mobile device.
- L2TP (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol) price?like pptp, l2tp is a very popular vpn protocol - most vpn providers provide access to it. but what is l2tp and how does it work? if you want to learn about that, don't skip this article.
- Learn about Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)voice over internet protocol (voip) is a surprising technology that allows you to make calls over the internet and reduce the cost of traditional phone calls.