RFC 2177 (rfc2177) - Page 1 of 4

IMAP4 IDLE command

Network Working Group                                           B. Leiba
Request for Comments: 2177               IBM T.J. Watson Research Center
Category: Standards Track                                      June 1997


                           IMAP4 IDLE command

Status of this Memo

   This document specifies an Internet standards track protocol for the
   Internet community, and requests discussion and suggestions for
   improvements.  Please refer to the current edition of the "Internet
   Official Protocol Standards" (STD 1) for the standardization state
   and status of this protocol.  Distribution of this memo is unlimited.

1.   Abstract

   The Internet Message Access Protocol [IMAP4] requires a client to
   poll the server for changes to the selected mailbox (new mail,
   deletions).  It's often more desirable to have the server transmit
   updates to the client in real time.  This allows a user to see new
   mail immediately.  It also helps some real-time applications based on
   IMAP, which might otherwise need to poll extremely often (such as
   every few seconds).  (While the spec actually does allow a server to
   push EXISTS responses aysynchronously, a client can't expect this
   behaviour and must poll.)

   This document specifies the syntax of an IDLE command, which will
   allow a client to tell the server that it's ready to accept such
   real-time updates.

2.   Conventions Used in this Document

   In examples, "C:" and "S:" indicate lines sent by the client and
   server respectively.

   The key words "MUST", "MUST NOT", "SHOULD", "SHOULD NOT", and "MAY"
   in this document are to be interpreted as described in RFC 2060
   [IMAP4].

3.   Specification

   IDLE Command

   Arguments:  none

   Responses:  continuation data will be requested; the client sends
               the continuation data "DONE" to end the command



Leiba                       Standards Track