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| Chapter 2 UNIX Commands |

## mail

    mail [options] [users]

Read mail (if no `users` listed), or send mail to other `users`. Type `?` for a summary of commands. Esoteric debugging options exist (not listed) for system administrators.

### Options for sending mail

-m `type`

  Print a "Message-type:" line at the heading of the letter, followed by `type` of message.

-t

  Print a "To:" line at the heading of the letter, showing the names of the recipients.

-w

  Force mail to be sent to remote users without waiting for remote transfer program to be completed.

-F

  Store message in a file named after the first recipient.

-h `n`

  Stop trying to send after making `n` network connections, or "hops" (useful for avoiding infinite loops).

-i

  Ignore interrupts (useful on modems).

-n

-r `address`

  Specify a return `address` for mail you send.

-s `subject`

  Print `subject` in the subject header field.

-U

  Convert uucp-type addresses to Internet format.

-v

  Verbose; display status of mail delivery.

### Options for reading mail

Options -i, -n, -U, and -v, are also available.

-e

  Test for the existence of mail without printing it. Exit status is 0 if mail exists; otherwise 1.

-f `file`

  Read mail from alternate mailbox `file`.

-F `names`

  Forward all incoming mail to recipient `names`.

-h

  Display a window of messages rather than the latest message.

-p

  Print all messages without pausing.

-P

  Print messages with all header lines displayed.

-q

  Terminate on an interrupt.

-r

  Print oldest messages first.

Reference: m4 |  | Reference: mailalias