What does SMTP stand for in the context of email?

SMTP stands for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol, which is a fundamental protocol used for sending emails across the Internet. This protocol is predominantly utilized for transferring email messages between servers and is essential for the functioning of email communication. SMTP handles the sending part of email, allowing users to send their messages to others using mail servers and facilitating the routing of those messages to the recipient's mail server.

Understanding that SMTP is a "Simple" protocol highlights its straightforward design, aimed at focusing on the basic tasks required to send emails without the complexities found in other protocols. This simplicity makes it efficient and widely used. In contrast, other protocols and terms may suggest features or functions that SMTP does not embody, such as security measures or standards, which are outside the original scope of SMTP.