elm

Initialize an Elm project, generates an elm.json file

$ elm init

$ elm repl

$ elm make [source]

$ elm make [source] --output=[destination].js

$ elm reactor

$ elm install [author]/[package]

elm [options] [address(es)]

-?
    Displays a help message.

-a
    Displays all messages, including deleted ones.

-b
    Bounces the specified messages (sends them to the original sender with a rejection message).

-c
    Specifies a configuration file other than the default ~/.elmrc.

-d number
    Sets debug level.

-f mailbox
    Specifies the mailbox to use instead of the default system mailbox.

-h
    Displays a brief help message.

-i
    Starts elm in interactive mode.

-m
    Starts elm in menu mode.

-n
    Starts elm without displaying the new mail notification.

-p
    Keeps the mailbox locked while elm is running.

-s subject
    Specifies the subject for a new email message.

-v
    Displays version information.

address(es)
    Sends a new email to the specified address(es).

elm is a text-based email client for Unix-like operating systems. It's designed to be user-friendly and efficient for reading, composing, and managing email from the command line. elm supports features like reading mail from local mailboxes or POP3/IMAP servers, composing messages with a built-in editor or an external one, managing address books, and handling mail folders.
It was widely used before graphical email clients became prevalent, offering a balance between functionality and resource consumption on older systems. While less common now due to the popularity of GUI-based mail clients, elm remains a viable option for users who prefer a command-line interface or need to manage email on systems with limited resources. Elm emphasizes interactive use, providing a menu-driven interface to most functions. It automatically decodes MIME attachments and allows for easy forwarding, replying, and saving of messages.

elm is not as feature-rich as modern GUI-based email clients. Configuration can be complex, and some features may require manual setup.
Secure authentication and encryption (e.g., TLS/SSL) may require external tools or specific configuration.

Elm is configured primarily through the ~/.elmrc file. This file allows users to customize various aspects of the program, such as the default editor, mail folders, and address book settings.

Elm maintains its own address book for storing email addresses and associated names. Users can add, edit, and delete entries in the address book, making it easier to address emails to frequently contacted individuals.

Elm was a popular email client in the 1990s and early 2000s, known for its relative ease of use compared to other command-line mail clients of the time. It was developed with the goal of providing a user-friendly interface for managing email in text-based environments. Elm saw widespread adoption on Unix systems and was often included as the default mail client in many Linux distributions. Its development has slowed significantly since the rise of more advanced GUI-based email clients.

mail(1), sendmail(8), pine(1)