mail Linux Command Guide

The Linux mail command is a powerful tool for sending and receiving emails directly from the command line. It allows users to compose messages, specify recipients, and even attach files to their emails. By mastering the mail command, users can efficiently manage their mailbox without the need for a graphical email client. This comprehensive guide covers the basic syntax of the mail command, how to send and receive emails, work with attachments, manage email headers, and use aliases to simplify the email process. Whether you are a beginner looking to learn the basics of email management on Linux or an experienced user seeking to enhance your command line skills, this guide has everything you need to become proficient with the mail command.

mail Syntax:

mail [options] [recipient]

Options:

Option	Description
-s	Specify the message subject
-r	Specify the sender’s email address
-c	Send a copy of the message to the specified email address
-b	Send a blind carbon copy of the message to the specified email address
-a	Attach a file to the email

Parameters:

Parameter	Description
recipient	The email address of the recipient

mail Command Samples:

Send an Email with Subject

echo "This is the body of the email" | mail -s "Subject Line" [email protected]

Sends an email with a specified subject line to a recipient.

Send an Email with Attachment

echo "Email with Attachment" | mail -s "Attachment Test" -A /path/to/attachment.pdf [email protected]

Sends an email with an attachment to a recipient.

Send an Email to Multiple Recipients

echo "Email to Multiple Recipients" | mail -s "Multiple Recipients Test" [email protected] [email protected]

Sends an email to multiple recipients.

Send an Email with CC and BCC

echo "Email with CC and BCC" | mail -s "CC and BCC Test" -c [email protected] -b [email protected] [email protected]

Sends an email with Carbon Copy (CC) and Blind Carbon Copy (BCC) recipients.

Send a Test Email to Local User

echo "Test email to local user" | mail -s "Local User Test" localuser

Sends a test email to a local user account.

View the Mail Queue

mailq

Displays the current mail queue, showing emails waiting to be processed by the system.

Read the Content of an Email

mail -f /var/mail/username

Reads the content of an email stored in the user’s mailbox.

mail FAQ:

How do I use mail in Linux?

To use the mail command in Linux, execute the following command:

mail --help

What is the purpose of the mail command in Linux?

The mail command in Linux is used to send and receive emails from the command line.

How can I send an email using the mail command in Linux?

To send an email using the mail command in Linux, you can use the following syntax:

echo "This is the body of the email" | mail -s "Subject" [email protected]

How do I check my inbox with the mail command in Linux?

To check your inbox using the mail command in Linux, simply type mail in the terminal and press Enter. Use the ? command to get a list of available commands within the mail interface.

Can I send email attachments with the mail command in Linux?

Yes, you can send email attachments using the mail command in Linux. Here is an example on how to send an attachment:

echo "Body of the email" | mail -s "Subject" -A /path/to/attachment.txt [email protected]

How do I delete all emails in my inbox using the mail command in Linux?

To delete all emails in your inbox using the mail command in Linux, you can enter the mail interface by typing mail in the terminal, then use the d * command to delete all emails.

Applications of the mail command

Sending emails from the command line
Automating email notifications
Integrating with scripts to send alert emails
Testing email functionality on a Linux system
Monitoring system alerts and notifications via email