Email, which stands for electronic mail, is a method of sending messages and digital files using the internet. It functions like a digital version of traditional mail, enabling people to communicate and exchange information electronically.

Here’s a simplified explanation of how email works:

1. Creating an Email Account: To use email, you need to sign up for an email account with a service provider like Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo. This involves selecting a unique email address and creating a password.
2. Composing an Email: Once you have an email account, you can compose a new email. You enter the recipient’s email address in the “To” field, write your message in the email body, and optionally attach files or documents.
3. Sending the Email: When you click “Send,” your email client or webmail service contacts your email service provider’s server.
4. SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol): The email service provider’s server uses a protocol called SMTP to send the email. It breaks down your email into smaller parts and adds necessary details, such as sender and recipient information, to each part.
5. Routing and Delivery: The email is then sent to the recipient’s email service provider’s server. This process involves multiple servers and routers on the internet that help direct the email to its destination.
6. POP or IMAP Retrieval: Once the recipient’s email service provider receives the email, it is stored in the recipient’s mailbox on their email server. The recipient can access the email using an email client or webmail interface.
7. Retrieving and Reading: The recipient can use an email client (like Outlook) or log in to their email account through a web browser. The email client or webmail interface connects to the recipient’s email server using either POP or IMAP protocols to retrieve the email.
8. Replying and Forwarding: The recipient can reply to the email, following a similar process to sending a new email. They can also forward the email to other recipients.
9. Storing and Deleting: Emails are typically stored on the recipient’s email server or can be downloaded and stored locally on the recipient’s device. The recipient can choose to delete or archive emails as needed.
10. Continuous Communication: Email conversations can continue back and forth between multiple recipients, with each email being sent, received, and stored in a similar manner.

Please note that this explanation is simplified to provide a basic understanding of email operations. In reality, there are more technical complexities involved.