Networking & Internet
POP3
Definition
The Post Office Protocol version 3 (POP3) is an application-layer Internet standard protocol used by e-mail clients to retrieve e-mail from a mail server. In its default mode, it downloads emails to the client and then deletes them from the server.
Why It Matters
POP3 was one of the first widely used protocols for email retrieval. It was designed in an era of slow, intermittent internet connections, where the goal was to connect, download mail quickly, and then disconnect.
Contextual Example
In the past, you might use an email client like Outlook Express with a POP3 account. It would connect to your ISP, download all new emails to your computer, and then you would read them offline.
Common Misunderstandings
- POP3 is now largely considered outdated for most users because its "download and delete" model is not suitable for accessing email on multiple devices.
- IMAP has largely replaced POP3 as the preferred protocol for modern email access.