= Internet Message Access Protocol = '''Internet Message Access Protocol''' ('''IMAP''') is a communication protocol for the retrieval of emails from a mail server. <> ---- == History == The [[Email/POP|Post Office Protocol]] was used to retrieve emails, but had little-to-no functionality beyong that. IMAP in contrast was designed as an API through which a mailbox could be manipulated. Iterative drafts and counterproposals circulated between 1986 and 1993. In the midst of this process, the [[Email/MIME|MIME]] standard became established, requiring drafts be further extended. The final standard is '''IMAP4'''. ---- CategoryRicottone