C++

Start IMAP IDLE to Monitor a Mailbox

Demonstrates the Chilkat Imap.IdleStart method, which sends the IMAP IDLE command to begin listening for unsolicited mailbox updates. It takes no arguments. A mailbox must first be selected, and the server must advertise the IDLE capability.

Background: IDLE is IMAP's push mechanism: instead of polling for new mail, the client tells the server "notify me when something changes," and the server pushes updates as they happen. This is what enables near-instant new-mail alerts. While IDLE is active, no other IMAP command may be sent on that connection — call IdleDone to leave IDLE before issuing other commands.

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C++

#include <CkImap.h>

void ChilkatSample(void)
    {
    bool success = false;

    //  Demonstrates the Imap.IdleStart method, which sends the IMAP IDLE command to begin listening
    //  for unsolicited mailbox updates.  It takes no arguments.  A mailbox must be selected and the
    //  server must advertise the IDLE capability.

    CkImap imap;

    imap.put_Ssl(true);
    imap.put_Port(993);

    success = imap.Connect("imap.example.com");
    if (success == false) {
        std::cout << imap.lastErrorText() << "\r\n";
        return;
    }

    success = imap.Login("user@example.com","myPassword");
    if (success == false) {
        std::cout << imap.lastErrorText() << "\r\n";
        return;
    }

    success = imap.SelectMailbox("Inbox");
    if (success == false) {
        std::cout << imap.lastErrorText() << "\r\n";
        return;
    }

    //  Enter IDLE mode to monitor the mailbox for changes (new mail, deletions, flag changes).
    success = imap.IdleStart();
    if (success == false) {
        std::cout << imap.lastErrorText() << "\r\n";
        return;
    }

    std::cout << "IDLE mode started." << "\r\n";

    //  While IDLE is active, no other IMAP command may be sent.  End IDLE before doing more work.
    success = imap.IdleDone();
    if (success == false) {
        std::cout << imap.lastErrorText() << "\r\n";
        return;
    }

    success = imap.Disconnect();
    if (success == false) {
        std::cout << imap.lastErrorText() << "\r\n";
        return;
    }
    }