This module defines a class, POP3, which encapsulates a
connection to a POP3 server and implements the protocol as defined in
RFC 1725. The POP3 class supports both the minimal and
optional command sets. Additionally, this module provides a class
POP3_SSL, which provides support for connecting to POP3
servers that use SSL as an underlying protocol layer.
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:
classPOP3(
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.
classPOP3_SSL(
host[, port[, keyfile[, certfile]]])
This is a subclass of POP3 that connects to the server over an
SSL encrypted socket. If port is not specified, 995, the
standard POP3-over-SSL port is used. keyfile and certfile
are also optional - they can contain a PEM formatted private key and
certificate chain file for the SSL connection.
New in version 2.4.
One exception is defined as an attribute of the poplib module:
exceptionerror_proto
Exception raised on any errors. The reason for the exception is
passed to the constructor as a string.
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 the POP protocol.