What does push mail mean

"Push mail" is a term used in the context of email and messaging services. It refers to the process of sending new email messages from a mail server to a user's email client or device, without the user having to actively check their email account.

In other words, push mail is a way for email messages to be "pushed" or sent to the user's device, rather than the user having to "pull" or check their email account manually. This is often done automatically, using a technology called "push email" or "push notification".

Here's how it typically works:

1. The user sets up their email account on their device or email client.
2. The device or email client connects to the mail server, which is responsible for storing and managing the user's email messages.
3. When new email messages arrive at the mail server, the server sends a notification to the user's device or email client, indicating that new messages are available.
4. The device or email client receives the notification and retrieves the new email messages from the mail server.
5. The new email messages are then displayed on the user's device or email client, allowing them to read and respond to them.

Push mail is often used in conjunction with other technologies, such as:

• IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol): a protocol that allows email clients to access and manage email messages on a mail server.
• POP3 (Post Office Protocol version 3): a protocol that allows email clients to retrieve email messages from a mail server.
• SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol): a protocol that allows email clients to send email messages to a mail server.

Push mail is commonly used in mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, as well as in desktop email clients and web-based email services. It allows users to stay connected and receive new email messages in real-time, without having to constantly check their email account.