The RFC -> Request for Comments If you want to write a program to use an internet protocol it is a good idea to actually read the RFC concerning the standard for that protocol. RFC's define the interfaces between servers, formats for e-mail, and how just about everything on the internet 'should' work. Should is the operative word.

If you've never read an RFC, you really should... just like your wisdom teeth... if you've never had them pulled, you really should!