What is Imap? It is an abbreviation of a protocol called Internet Message Access Protocol, which has been considered as the backbone for email communication. Irrespective of whether you are scrolling through your emails on a computer, smartphone, or a mobile device, it is quite likely that you are using Imap without even knowing that you are using it. So, in this blog, let us dig deep on Imap. We will explore what Imap is, how it works, what are its benefits, and best practices of using it. 

Before proceeding forward, you need to make sure that you are well-equipped with all the fundamental knowledge of what is email and how email works.


What Is Imap?


Internet Message Access Protocol, also called Imap, is a standard application layer protocol used for fetching incoming mails. It saves mail on a mail server and empowers recipients to see and modify them as if they were stored on their local device. It allows various email clients to retrieve and view messages over the TCP/IP connectivity.


Originally developed by Mark Crispin in 1980’s, it is also termed as interim mail access protocol, internet mail access protocol, and interactive mail access protocol. If it is authorized, it can get access to your emails irrespective of the device or location. Mainly, it is used in getting email from your email provider and transferring it to your email client (like PC or Mac).


How Imap Works?


In simple terms, for the incoming email, Imap works as a link between your email client and email server. Whenever users are accessing emails using Imap, they are basically reading them off the server. Users do not have to save or download the email on their local system. Since, Imap is not particularly connected to any specific device, users can access the services from different devices. Majorly they include:


  1. Laptop/Deskstop (Windows) 
  2. Mac Computers
  3. Smartphone
  4. Smart Wearables
  5. Tablet
  6. Web interface

Working


Imap’s protocol is prevalently used and primarily follows the client-server architecture. It is basically a combination of server process and client operating on different computers connected within a network. It depends on TCP/IP connection for seamless communication. Once the communication has been established, the server by default connects to port 143, which is basically non-encrypted. However, if the user requires secure communication which is encrypted, port 993 is used.


Let us understand the working principle of Imap with the help of a few steps- 


  • When a user logs in the email client, for eg, Microsoft Outlook, the client communicates with the server via Imap. 
  • The connection is established via a specific port. 
  • The email client shows all email headers. 
  • Only when the user clicks on the message, does the Imap download the message from the server and transfer it to the client. No automatic downloads of attachments happen. 
  • Users can track the message much more quickly with Imap than with other types of email retrieval protocols such as Post Office Protocol 3. 
  • All the email messages are retained on the server unless the user wishes to delete them. 

What Are the Benefits of Imap?


Irrespective of whether you are using Imap for your software projects or for Gmail API, getting yourself familiar with Imap benefits is crucial-


Server-side Storage- Since, all the mails are saved on the server-side, users do not need to download it on their local device. This advantage proves to be quite handy if your device encounters a security breach.


Optimized Consumption of Bandwidth- As far as Imap is concerned, it only downloads the header from the email provider and not the entire message. So, if there is an email that you never open, its body and attachments remain on the server and will not be downloaded. Thus, it is a crucial process of saving bandwidth. 


Seamless Management of Emails- As previously stated, Imap empowers you to access your emails from any device and from any location. Moreover, you also have the option of creating folders and subfolders. Imap makes sure that users can access the message in a secure and easy manner. 


Synchronization Across Numerous Devices- Any modifications that you make on a single device, gets automatically updated on another device in real-time. For instance, if you choose to delete an email from your smartphone, it automatically gets updated on the client if you are accessing it via a desktop. 


Compatibility with Various Clients- These days most of the email apps such as Thunderbird, Gmail, and Microsoft Outlook provide support to Imap and its advanced functionalities. Thus, you can use it for multiple email providers with total flexibility and convenience.


Enhanced Security- Usually, emails are transferred over secure connection encrypted effectively. So, Imap improves security irrespective of the fact that you are in a less-secure environment, i.e., you are using a public Wi-Fi network for instance.


Conclusion 


Imap is an integral element of a larger email infrastructure designed specifically for the purpose of delivering email securely to the recipient’s inbox. The blog introduces you to the fundamentals of Imap and specifically covers what is Imap?, how it works, and what are its key benefits. For more information on email solutions, differences between Imap and SMTP, etc., visit our website.


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