How to Use the Command 'neomutt' (with Examples)

NeoMutt is a sophisticated command-line email client that builds upon the capabilities of the Mutt email client. It offers a range of features that make it a powerful tool for managing email directly from the terminal. Whether you’re looking to manage your mailboxes, compose messages with attachments, or handle complex drafts, NeoMutt provides the flexibility needed for efficient email management. Below are detailed examples illustrating various use cases of the NeoMutt command.

Use case 1: Open the Specified Mailbox

Code:

neomutt -f path/to/mailbox

Motivation:
This command is useful for users who manage multiple mailboxes or wish to view the contents of a specific mailbox directly through the command line. By using NeoMutt to open a specific mailbox, users can quickly access their emails without navigating through a graphical user interface.

Explanation:

• neomutt: This is the command to run NeoMutt, the email client you want to use.
• -f: This flag specifies that the following argument is the path to the mailbox file that you want to open.
• path/to/mailbox: This is the path to the mailbox file you intend to open. It could be a local path or a URL, depending on where the mailbox is stored.

Example Output:
Upon execution, NeoMutt opens and displays the emails in the specified mailbox. You will see a list of emails that can be navigated using keyboard shortcuts within the NeoMutt interface.

Use case 2: Start Writing an Email and Specify a Subject and a ‘cc’ Recipient

Code:

neomutt -s "subject" -c cc@example.com recipient@example.com

Motivation:
This is particularly useful when you need to compose an email and ensure that someone is copied on it. Directly from the command line, you can swiftly start writing an email with a specific subject and a ‘cc’ recipient, streamlining the email composition process for command-line users.

Explanation:

• neomutt: Initiates the NeoMutt command-line email client.
• -s "subject": This flag and its argument specify the subject of the email being composed.
• -c cc@example.com: The -c flag is used to specify an email address to be copied on the email (‘cc’ stands for carbon copy).
• recipient@example.com: This is the primary recipient’s email address to whom the message is being sent.

Example Output:
NeoMutt opens a message composition window with the specified subject and ‘cc’ field already filled out. You can proceed to type your message body and send the email.

Use case 3: Send an Email with Files Attached

Code:

neomutt -a path/to/file1 path/to/file2 -- recipient@example.com

Motivation:
Sending emails with attachments is a common requirement. This command allows users to easily attach multiple files to an email and send them, all from the command line. It saves time and hassle, especially for users who are already working extensively within a terminal environment.

Explanation:

• neomutt: Calls the NeoMutt program.
• -a path/to/file1 path/to/file2: The -a flag is followed by paths to the files that you wish to attach to the email. Multiple files can be listed.
• --: This double dash is used to signify the end of command options and the beginning of the recipient email address.
• recipient@example.com: The email address of the person to whom you are sending the email with the attached files.

Example Output:
NeoMutt opens the email composition interface with the specified files attached. You can add a subject, body, and send the email together with the attachments.

Use case 4: Specify a File to Include as the Message Body

Code:

neomutt -i path/to/file recipient@example.com

Motivation:
This command is highly beneficial when you have a pre-written text file that you want to use as the email body. This allows users to manage their email content more dynamically by editing a file outside of NeoMutt, then using it as an email body.

Explanation:

• neomutt: The command for NeoMutt.
• -i path/to/file: This option includes a file’s content as the body of the email you are writing.
• recipient@example.com: The email address of the individual who will receive the email.

Example Output:
NeoMutt loads and displays the content from the specified file as the message body in the email composition interface. You can then send it directly without needing to retype the contents.

Use case 5: Specify a Draft File Containing the Header and the Body of the Message, in RFC 5322 Format

Code:

neomutt -H path/to/file recipient@example.com

Motivation:
This is ideal for users who prepare complex emails offline, including headers like subject, to, cc, etc., and want to send these using NeoMutt. By using an RFC 5322 formatted file, the user can handle sophisticated email draft management outside the client.

Explanation:

• neomutt: Runs the NeoMutt email client.
• -H path/to/file: This flag takes a path to a file that contains both the header and body of an email, formatted in RFC 5322.
• recipient@example.com: The email address to which you propagate the draft email.

Example Output:
NeoMutt reads the file, parsing the headers and body included within, and prepares the email according to the specifications before you can send it.

Conclusion:

NeoMutt is a robust tool that enhances the functionality and flexibility of command-line email management. From opening specific mailboxes to sending emails with attachments and pre-defined drafts, NeoMutt manages to streamline and connect the multiple facets of email communication directly from the terminal. Whether you’re a seasoned command-line user or someone exploring powerful email clients, NeoMutt provides diverse capabilities to seamlessly manage your email needs.