How to Use the Command 'tmpmail' (with examples)

Tmpmail is a lightweight utility allowing users to create and manage temporary email inboxes directly from the terminal. This tool is especially useful for those who require disposable email addresses for privacy reasons or to avoid spam. With a range of functionalities offered by simple command-line arguments, tmpmail caters to different use cases - from generating temporary emails to reading messages without cluttering your main inbox.

Use case 1: Create a Temporary Inbox

Code:

tmpmail --generate

Motivation:

In today’s digital world, privacy is of utmost importance. Often, we need to provide an email address for one-time registrations, downloads, or offers, which could lead to spam. Creating a temporary inbox allows users to receive these emails without compromising their primary email address. It’s an efficient way to manage mail traffic and keep your main inbox clean.

Explanation:

• The --generate argument enables users to create a new temporary email address. This email address can be used immediately for receiving messages. The underlying service will automatically manage and dispose of this address after some time, providing temporary, anonymous email capabilities.

Example Output:

Temporary email address generated: random.mail@temporary.mailservice.com

Use case 2: List Messages and Their Numeric ID

Code:

tmpmail

Motivation:

Once a temporary email address receives messages, users need a way to interact with them. Listing messages along with their numeric IDs allows users to manage and select specific emails to read or delete, providing a clear and organized overview of what messages they have received.

Explanation:

• Running tmpmail without additional arguments fetches the list of emails in the inbox. Each email is assigned a numeric ID, providing a simple method of reference for further operations like reading or deleting the email.

Example Output:

1: Welcome to Temporary Mail - noreply@temporary.mailservice.com
2: Your OTP Code - support@service.com

Use case 3: Display the Most Recent Received Email

Code:

tmpmail --recent

Motivation:

Sometimes, users are only interested in the latest email they have received. This could be an urgent verification code or important information they are waiting for. This command allows users to quickly access the most recent emails without sifting through the entire inbox.

Explanation:

• The --recent argument is a convenient option to display the content of the most recent email. This saves time by immediately presenting the user with the latest message, without needing to provide an email ID.

Example Output:

From: support@service.com
Subject: Your OTP Code
Content: Your OTP is 123456.

Use case 4: Open a Specific Message

Code:

tmpmail email_id

Motivation:

In scenarios where users need access to a specific email, maybe for detailed information or follow-up actions, accessing the email by its numeric ID becomes a streamlined process. This caters to focused interactions, where only particular messages are of interest.

Explanation:

• The email_id parameter is a placeholder for the numeric ID assigned to each email. By referencing this ID, the command fetches and displays the specific message, helping users zero in on the relevant email.

Example Output:

When running tmpmail 2, the output might be:

From: support@service.com
Subject: Your OTP Code
Content: Your OTP is 123456.

Use case 5: View Email as Raw Text Without HTML Tags

Code:

tmpmail --text

Motivation:

HTML-formatted emails can sometimes be overwhelming, or not display correctly on terminal screens. For those who prefer a text-only version of their emails, or need to extract plain text, the ability to convert HTML to raw text ensures clarity and ease of reading.

Explanation:

• The --text option strips away all HTML tags and displays the email in its plain text format. This is particularly useful for users who want a cleaner and more readable email format, avoiding embedded images or complex layouts.

Example Output:

Subject: Your OTP Code
Your OTP is 123456.

Use case 6: Open Email with a Specific Browser

Code:

tmpmail --browser browser

Motivation:

While tmpmail defaults to the w3m terminal browser for viewing emails, users might prefer or need to use a different browser for compatibility reasons or personal preference. This functionality provides flexibility, enabling emails to be opened in any installed browser, offering a customized viewing experience.

Explanation:

• The --browser argument allows users to specify a preferred browser through which the email will be opened. Replace browser with the command that launches your desired browser, such as firefox, chrome, or lynx, allowing a tailored and familiar environment for email viewing.

Example Output:

Executing tmpmail --browser firefox will open the selected email in a Firefox browser window, displaying the content accordingly.

Conclusion:

Tmpmail proves to be an invaluable tool for users needing temporary email functionalities through the command line. Its various options cater to different user needs, from privacy-conscious individuals to those seeking email organization without unnecessary long-term commitments. With the examples outlined, users can now effectively employ tmpmail to manage their temporary email addresses and inboxes, thereby enhancing their digital experience while maintaining privacy.