IMAP, or Internet Message Access Protocol, is a standard protocol used by email clients to retrieve messages from a mail server. Unlike other protocols, IMAP allows users to access their emails from multiple devices while keeping the messages stored on the server. This means that any changes made, such as reading or deleting emails, are synchronized across all devices. IMAP is particularly useful for people who check their email on different platforms, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. It supports features like folder management and message searching, making it easier to organize and find emails. Popular email services like Gmail and Outlook support IMAP for seamless email access.