Name

post − deliver a message

Syntax

/usr/new/lib/mh/post [−alias aliasfile] [−filter filterfile] [−nofilter] [−format] [−noformat] [−msgid] [−nomsgid] [−verbose] [−noverbose] [−watch] [−nowatch] [−width columns] file [−help]

Description

The program post is called by send() to deliver the message in file to local and remote users. In fact, all of the functions attributed to send on its manual page are performed by post, with send acting as a relatively simple preprocessor. Thus, it is post which parses the various header fields, appends From: and Date: lines, and interacts with the sendmail transport system.

Normally, post would not be called directly by the user.

It searches the To:, cc:, Bcc:, Fcc:, and Resent−xxx: header lines of the specified message for destination addresses, checks these addresses for validity, and formats them so as to conform to ARPAnet Internet Message Format protocol, unless the −noformat flag is set. This will normally cause @ local−site to be appended to each local destination address, as well as any local return addresses. The −width columns switch can be used to indicate the preferred length of the header components that contain addresses.

If a Bcc: field is encountered, its addresses will be used for delivery. The Bcc: is removed from the message sent to original recipients. The copied recipients will receive an entirely new message with a minimal set of headers. Included in the body of the message will be a copy of the message sent to the original recipients. If −filter filterfile is specified, then this copy is filtered (re−formatted) prior to being sent to the blind recipients.

The −alias aliasfile switch can be used to specify a file that post should take aliases from.  More than one file can be specified, each being preceded with −alias. In any event, the primary alias file is read first.

The −msgid switch indicates that a Message−ID: or Resent−Message−ID: field should be added to the header.

The −verbose switch indicates that the user should be informed of each step of the posting/filing process.

The −watch switch indicates that the user would like to watch the transport system’s handling of the message (for example, local and fast delivery).

This command consults the envariable $SIGNATURE to determine the sender’s personal name in constructing the From: line of the message. 

The default settings for post are:

−alias    /usr/new/lib/mh/MailAliases

−format
−nomsgid
−noverbose
−nowatch
−width 72
−nofilter

Files

Profile Components

The post command does not consult the user’s .mh_profile

See Also

mhmail(1mh), send(1mh), mh−mail(5mh) and mh−alias(5mh)
Standard for the Format of ARPA Internet Text Messages (RFC 822)