Java Mail is an API that is used to receive and send emails between applications. To send the emails, the protocols, SMPT, POP AND IMAP are used. The messages sending and receiving is done by creating a framework using set of abstract classes in the API. The framework allows the application to create customized cross-platform mail application by having basic knowledge of e-mail. There are methods and classes that are used to access mail folders, message downloading and sending messages along with attachments feature.

Potential advantages include - Java mail is used to create personal mail filter, simple mailing lists and personal mail applications. Java mail also includes the capabilities to add the emailing process to an enterprise application or even to create a full-fledged e-mail client. Many companies in the industry have written new e-mail clients using Java Mail.