IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol)

IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) is a protocol used by email clients to access and manage emails stored on a mail server. Unlike download-only methods, IMAP allows users to view, organize, and manipulate messages directly on the server, ensuring that their email organization is consistent across multiple devices. When using IMAP, emails stay stored remotely unless explicitly deleted, providing real-time synchronization. This makes it ideal for accessing email from multiple locations or devices, as it maintains the same message structure and status, such as read or unread, across all platforms.