# Sending Mail with netcat

Here's how to send a letter using [netcat](/netcat/usage):

    $ nc example.com 25 
    220 example.com ESMTP OpenSMTPD


Next, we type HELO followed by our sending domain:

    HELO example.com
    250 example.com Hello example.com [38.81.163.143], pleased to meet you


Afterwards, we type our sending mail address:

    MAIL FROM: <from@example.com>
    250 2.0.0 Ok


And the destination mail address:

    RCPT TO: <to@example.com>
    250 2.1.5 Destination address valid: Recipient ok


Then we type DATA followed by our email:

    DATA
    354 Enter mail, end with "." on a line by itself
    Subject: Alpha Bravo Charlie Delta
    Echo Foxtrot Golf Hotel


We then type . to end the email, then QUIT:

    .
    250 2.0.0 e57f9a36 Message accepted for delivery
    QUIT
    221 2.0.0 Bye


Here's the complete process:

    $ nc example.com 25 
    220 example.com ESMTP OpenSMTPD
    HELO example.com
    250 example.com Hello example.com [38.81.163.143], pleased to meet you
    MAIL FROM: <from@example.com>
    250 2.0.0 Ok
    RCPT TO: <to@example.com>
    250 2.1.5 Destination address valid: Recipient ok
    DATA
    354 Enter mail, end with "." on a line by itself
    Subject: Alpha Bravo Charlie Delta
    Echo Foxtrot Golf Hotel
    .
    250 2.0.0 e57f9a36 Message accepted for delivery
    QUIT
    221 2.0.0 Bye