Sending Emails in PHP: PHPMailer vs mail() Function

Most businesses create a professional email account to boost their credibility and build customer trust. In this article, we will explore two ways to send emails in PHP: using the built-in mail() function or a mail-sending library called PHPMailer.

What is PHP mail?

PHP mail is a function that sends emails using PHP scripts. While the mail() function can target multiple recipients per email sending, it is not suitable for bulk emailing without using an external PHP mailing package like PHPMailer.

PHPMailer vs mail() function: pros and cons

PHP mail allows PHP-based website administrators to send mail from their web server using PHP scripts. It is easy to learn, but it lacks built-in support for modern authentication and often lands in spam folders. On the other hand, PHPMailer is a popular mail-sending library that supports sending mail via the mail() function or an SMTP server. It offers advanced features like HTML bodies and attachments, handles large volumes of email efficiently, and improves inbox delivery with authentication.

How to use PHPMailer to send emails

To use PHPMailer, you need to install it using Composer and understand its components. This section covers the steps for installing PHPMailer and configuring it to send emails using an authenticated SMTP connection.

How to send emails using the PHP mail() function

Sending emails with the mail() function requires configuring a Sendmail program. This section explains how to use the built-in PHP function to send simple text-based emails and troubleshoot common errors.

Conclusion

Sending emails in PHP is essential for businesses and website owners. Whether you choose to use the mail() function or PHPMailer, understanding their pros and cons will help you make an informed decision. PHPMailer offers more advanced features and is recommended for sending bulk emails or creating contact forms. On the other hand, the mail() function is suitable for simple email sending. Keep in mind the best practices and troubleshooting tips to ensure successful email delivery.

PHP mail FAQ

Can I send emails from PHPMailer to Gmail or other email services? It depends on your hosting provider. Some providers may have restrictions on sending mail to inboxes that implement SPF and DKIM email authentication protocols. Contact your web host to clarify its SMTP settings and whether it supports PHPMailer with third-party SMTP servers.

How can I validate email addresses before using the PHP mail() function or PHPMailer to send emails? You can use the filter_var() function with the FILTER_VALIDATE_EMAIL filter to validate email addresses. This will ensure that the email is valid and does not contain unsupported characters or white spaces.

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