PHP Mail Introduction
The mail() function allows you to send emails directly from a script.
Requirements
For the mail functions to be available, PHP requires an installed and working email system. The program to be used is defined by the configuration settings in the php.ini file.
Installation
The mail functions are part of the PHP core. There is no installation needed to use these functions.
Runtime Configuration
The behavior of the mail functions is affected by settings in php.ini:
| Name | Default | Description | Changeable |
|---|---|---|---|
| mail.add_x_header | "0" | Add X-PHP-Originating-Script that will include UID of the script followed by the filename. For PHP 5.3.0 and above | PHP_INI_PERDIR |
| mail.log | NULL | The path to a log file that will log all mail() calls. Log include full path of script, line number, To address and headers. For PHP 5.3.0 and above | PHP_INI_PERDIR |
| SMTP | "localhost" | Windows only: The DNS name or IP address of the SMTP server | PHP_INI_ALL |
| smtp_port | "25" | Windows only: The SMTP port number. For PHP 4.3.0 and above | PHP_INI_ALL |
| sendmail_from | NULL | Windows only: Specifies the "from" address to be used when sending mail from mail() | PHP_INI_ALL |
| sendmail_path | "/usr/sbin/sendmail -t -i" | Specifies where the sendmail program can be found. This directive works also under Windows. If set, SMTP, smtp_port and sendmail_from are ignored | PHP_INI_SYSTEM |
PHP 5 Mail Functions
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| ezmlm_hash() | Calculates the hash value needed by EZMLM |
| mail() | Allows you to send emails directly from a script |