Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

SMTP stands for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. It is a protocol used for sending emails across networks. SMTP is a text-based protocol that facilitates the transfer of electronic messages from a sender's mail server to a recipient's mail server. The term "Simple" reflects the straightforward nature of the protocol, focusing primarily on the sending and relaying of messages.

The correct answer emphasizes the purpose of SMTP, which is to handle outbound email communication efficiently and effectively within the framework of the Internet. This protocol allows email clients and servers to exchange messages, ensuring that emails are delivered properly to the intended recipients.

While the other options contain elements of truth surrounding mailing protocols and their functionalities, they do not correctly identify the name or purpose of the widely accepted protocol used for sending emails. This distinction highlights the importance of understanding standardized protocol terminology in networking and communications.