I want to create my own email platform that works in a web browser. I need it to have basic features like receiving messages, sending replies, organizing emails into folders, and managing deleted items. I’m wondering if PHP would be good for this project or if I should consider other technologies. What are the main components I need to think about when starting this kind of project? Are there any specific protocols or libraries that would help me get started? I’m looking for advice on the overall architecture and what steps to take first. Any guidance on handling user authentication and email storage would also be helpful.
Building an email client? Security and scalability matter from day one. You’ll need OAuth2 integration for existing email accounts, plus solid session management for your own users. Backend-wise, use a message queue like Redis or RabbitMQ to process emails asynchronously - saves you from timeouts with large attachments or slow IMAP servers. PHP works, but Node.js gives you better real-time features like live notifications. Email parsing is trickier than you’d think - different formats, attachments, embedded images all create headaches. Start simple: build a prototype that connects to one IMAP server, then add the fancy stuff later.
php is good, but dont forget frontend things like js. also, u need imap/pop3 for receiving mails and smtp for sending. mysql or postgres will work for storing emails properly.
Worked on something similar three years back - the database design trips up most people right away. Don’t just store individual messages. You need separate tables for messages, threads, labels, and attachments, with proper indexing on sender, recipient, and timestamps. Attachments will destroy your storage fast, so build in separate file storage or cloud integration from day one. Don’t bolt it on later. Character encodings and malformed emails from different servers will bite you. PHP’s imap extension works but chokes on memory with large mailboxes. Test with accounts that have thousands of emails early on, not after you think everything’s done.