views:

92

answers:

6

Hi All

I don't know whether or not it's a good question :( But my intention is to know if it is possible to to build an email client application like Thunderbird or OutLook . And can we able to configure/create a Web Application in PHP?

Please let me know your thoughts! Thanks in advance!!!

+1  A: 

Uh, sure, but why would you do so? Thunderbird is free and open-source. You could just use that. Unless you've a compelling reason to develop an entirely new e-mail client, it's better not to reinvent the wheel.

Plenty of open-source webmail clients already exist, too. RoundCube is one of the prettiest.

ceejayoz
A: 

PHP is usually used as a server-side scripting language to build web applications. It does have the functionality that you need to be able to send email messages from a properly configured server.

Thomas Owens
A: 

The mail should definitely be sent from the server not the local machine, but its perfectly ok to create a webmail system. Also you can retrieve incoming mails from your mail server. Actually there are webmail clients on the market that you can use. I personally like Squirrel Mail

Cem Kalyoncu
+3  A: 

I am not sure that I understand the question, but here a couple of notes :

Pascal MARTIN
A: 

I would recommend in your case that you look at using PHP as core backend and (x)html+javascript+ajax for frontend and front-to-backend communications.

Ajax is very good for dynamic pages where you do not want page reloads etc. You could have a local smtp server to send the email, but most internet providers would not allow this. If the later is the case you need to use the internet providers smtp, alternatively allow the configuration of smtp within the user interface.

PHP has builtin classes to send mail which makes this process easy in either case. Receiving mail and parsing them correctly is just a matter of understanding the correct protocols. (pop3 / exchange and so on).

I know this wasn't a straightforward answer, but I hope it gave at least some insight.

Jonas B
+1  A: 

If you don't want to reinvent the wheel, you can try ready-made solutions mentioned above or free AfterLogic WebMail Lite PHP (or Pro edition).

Free and easy-to-use PHP webmail script with modern AJAX interface. Supports POP3/IMAP accounts, SMTP, SSL (like Gmail). Users can check and send mail, use address book. Skins, 3-pane view, non-English languages (including right-to-left Arabic and Hebrew), UTF-8 and other charsets, IMAP folders, view and compose HTML mail. MS SQL/MySQL backends supported, multiple accounts and domains, web-based administration and installation, cPanel integration.

AfterLogic