What is IMAP used for in computing?

IMAP, which stands for Internet Message Access Protocol, is primarily used for retrieving email messages from a mail server. It allows users to access their emails from various devices while keeping them synchronized. When using IMAP, email clients can download email headers and, if desired, the full content of messages while leaving the email itself on the server. This setup facilitates easy access to emails from multiple locations, as the messages remain stored on the server, enabling seamless management across different devices.

The nature of IMAP makes it particularly beneficial for users who require access to their emails both on mobile devices and desktop applications, ensuring that actions—such as reading, deleting, or organizing emails—are reflected in real-time on all devices. Therefore, it is distinctly focused on managing and retrieving emails, contrasting with the other options, which describe other functionalities not related to email retrieval.