mvmf: MFL -- the mail functions language

mvmf defines an extension language called "MFL" which can be used in some utilities to influence their handling of email. Not all utilities are built with MFL; only those where it's felt that an extension language is helpful are made to work with MFL. Not all MFL constructs are relevant to all utilities, however each utility may extend the MFL language in ways that may be needed for that utility. In particular, each utility may provide additional hooks, controls, and built-in-functions.

MFL is implemented in its own library. The library defines interface layer(s) in which an application and the MFL language communicate with each other. This is just a note that may not be very interesting.

Capsule Summary

Detailed Info

MFL is a powerful scripting language that you can use to control the way a specific utility processes an email message.

The MFL scripting language incorporates the IETF standard SIEVE scripting language, as enhanced by mvmf in a few ways.

The MFL scripting language also incorporates a higher level language that gives advanced users more power than the SIEVE component.

MFL has a well-defined syntax, and its scripts can readily be produced by a front-end code generator (e.g., a web-based front-end).

FAQ (last updated April 3, 2005)

The base MFL language
(last updated March 25, 2025)

MFL built-in functions (last updated January 3, 2007)

On the list of things yet to do and some things that have been done. (last updated February 3, 2005)