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(python2.1-lib.info)poplib

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POP3 protocol client
====================

POP3 protocol client (requires sockets).

This module defines a class, `POP3', which encapsulates a connection to
an POP3 server and implements protocol as defined in RFC 1725 .  The
`POP3' class supports both the minimal and optional command sets.

Note that POP3, though widely supported, is obsolescent.  The
implementation quality of POP3 servers varies widely, and too many are
quite poor. If your mailserver supports IMAP, you would be better off
using the ``imaplib'.`IMAP4'' class, as IMAP servers tend to be better
implemented.

A single class is provided by the `poplib' module:

`POP3(host[, port])'
     This class implements the actual POP3 protocol.  The connection is
     created when the instance is initialized.  If PORT is omitted, the
     standard POP3 port (110) is used.

One exception is defined as an attribute of the `poplib' module:

`error_proto'
     Exception raised on any errors.  The reason for the exception is
     passed to the constructor as a string.

See also:
     Note: imaplib The standard Python IMAP module.
     `http://www.tuxedo.org/~esr/fetchail/fetchmail-FAQ.html'{ The FAQ
     for the fetchmail POP/IMAP client collects information on POP3
     server variations and RFC noncompliance that may be useful if you
     need to write an application based on poplib.}

POP3 Objects

POP3 Example