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SMTP, or Simple Mail Transfer Protocol, is an internet standard protocol used for sending email messages between servers and from an email client to a mail server. It functions as the "push" protocol for email, responsible for transmitting messages, but it is not used for retrieving them. Protocols like IMAP or POP3 are used to retrieve emails once they have been delivered to the recipient's mail server.

What it does

Sends and relays email: SMTP defines the rules for how email clients (like Outlook or Gmail) and mail servers communicate to send messages to other mail servers.

Standardizes communication: It provides a consistent way for different email systems and servers to exchange information, ensuring messages can be delivered across the internet.

Works in the background: The protocol operates automatically in the background of most email applications, so users don't need to configure it manually in most cases.