# MailTools

> modules to manipulate email in perl programs

**Wikidata**: [Q114504229](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q114504229)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mailtools

## Summary
MailTools is a collection of Perl modules designed to manipulate email in Perl programs. It is free software, licensed under the Artistic License and GNU General Public License (version 1.0 or later), and supports multiple operating systems, including BSD and Linux. The toolkit simplifies email handling for developers, providing functionalities for parsing, generating, and managing email messages.

## Key Facts
- **License**: Dual-licensed under the Artistic License and GNU General Public License (version 1.0 or later).
- **Programming Languages**: Primarily Perl, with compatibility for Raku (a member of the Perl family).
- **Operating Systems**: Runs on BSD and Linux (Wikidata: Q3251801).
- **Distribution Packages**: Included in Debian (`libmailtools-perl`), Ubuntu (`libmailtools-perl`), Arch Linux (`perl-mailtools`), and Gentoo (`dev-perl/MailTools`).
- **Repository**: Hosted on MetaCPAN at [https://metacpan.org/dist/MailTools](https://metacpan.org/dist/MailTools).
- **Longevity**: Debian source package maintenance began in 2001.
- **Copyright Status**: Copyrighted software.

## FAQs
### Q: What is MailTools used for?
A: MailTools provides Perl modules for manipulating email, enabling developers to parse, generate, and manage email messages within their programs.

### Q: Is MailTools free to use?
A: Yes, MailTools is free software distributed under the Artistic License and GNU General Public License (version 1.0 or later), allowing users to run, modify, and distribute the software.

### Q: Which operating systems support MailTools?
A: MailTools is compatible with BSD and Linux-based systems, including major distributions like Debian, Ubuntu, and Arch Linux.

## Why It Matters
MailTools plays a critical role in simplifying email handling for Perl developers, offering a robust and flexible toolkit for common email-related tasks. Its inclusion in major Linux and BSD distributions ensures broad accessibility, and its dual licensing model aligns with open-source principles. By abstracting the complexities of email protocols and formats, MailTools reduces development overhead, enabling programmers to focus on application logic rather than low-level email management. This toolkit has maintained relevance since its early adoption (e.g., Debian packaging since 2001), reflecting its utility in both legacy and modern Perl environments. Its compatibility with Raku further underscores its adaptability within the evolving Perl ecosystem.

## Notable For
- **Dual Licensing**: Uniquely combines the Artistic License and GNU GPL, catering to diverse open-source use cases.
- **Cross-Platform Compatibility**: Supports BSD and Linux, ensuring utility across server and desktop environments.
- **Long-Term Maintenance**: Included in Debian repositories since 2001, demonstrating sustained community support.
- **Ecosystem Integration**: Available in major package managers (e.g., CPAN, Arch User Repository), streamlining installation.
- **Language Evolution**: Compatible with both Perl and Raku, bridging legacy and modern Perl-family development.

## Body
### Overview
MailTools is a software library and Perl module suite for email manipulation. It provides developers with tools to handle email messages, including parsing headers, constructing messages, and managing email workflows. The toolkit is classified as free software and operates across multiple Unix-like systems.

### Technical Details
- **Programming Languages**: Written for Perl, with support for Raku (released in 2015).
- **Key Functionalities**: Includes modules for email parsing, generation, and protocol interaction.
- **Distribution**: Packaged as `libmailtools-perl` in Debian/Ubuntu, `perl-mailtools` in Arch Linux, and `dev-perl/MailTools` in Gentoo.

### Licensing
MailTools uses a dual-licensing model:
1. **Artistic License**: Emphasizes freedom to use, modify, and distribute the software.
2. **GNU GPL 1.0+**: Ensures compatibility with GPL-compliant projects, promoting open-source collaboration.

### Operating System Support
- **BSD**: Compatible with BSD-derived systems, leveraging Unix-like architecture.
- **Linux**: Supports Linux distributions via packages in Debian, Ubuntu, Arch, and Gentoo repositories.

### Related Technologies
- **Raku**: As a Perl-family language, Raku users can integrate MailTools into their workflows.
- **CPAN Ecosystem**: Hosted on MetaCPAN, aligning with Perl’s centralized repository for module distribution.

## References

1. [Source](https://packages.gentoo.org/packages/dev-perl/MailToolslicen)
2. [Source](https://salsa.debian.org/perl-team/modules/packages/libmailtools-perl)