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POP3
Post Office Protocol version 3 (POP3) is a widely used email retrieval protocol designed to allow email clients to download messages from a mail server for local storage and offline access. Operating on TCP port 110, POP3 facilitates the transfer of emails from the server to the client, emphasizing simplicity and minimal server-side resource use..
POP3 is an application-layer protocol defined in RFC 1939 that enables email clients to connect to a remote server and retrieve email messages. It primarily operates in a pull-fashion, meaning clients initiate connections to check and download emails. POP3 sessions begin with user authentication followed by a series of commands that allow listing, retrieving, and deleting messages from the server.
Typically, once messages are downloaded via POP3, they are removed from the server unless configured otherwise. This design choice supports offline access and minimizes storage on the server, but it limits email synchronization across multiple devices. Unlike IMAP, which supports complex mailbox management and server-side storage, POP3 focuses on straightforward download and local retention.
POP3 communications occur over plaintext by default, resulting in unencrypted transmission of credentials and data. To enhance security, POP3 over SSL/TLS (commonly on port 995) is recommended. Despite the rise of more feature-rich protocols, POP3 remains relevant due to its simplicity and client support.