dovel email

Dovel is a lightweight SMTP server for self-hosting email, allowing users to send and receive emails with a simple configuration file and hooks.

🚀 Overview

Dovel simplifies self-hosting email by providing a minimal Go-based SMTP server that handles both incoming and outgoing mail through a straightforward JSON config file and executable hook scripts, eliminating the need for complex traditional mail servers like Postfix or Dovecot.

It solves the problem of overly complicated email server setups that require extensive configuration, databases, and maintenance, making it feasible for individuals to run their own email service reliably.

Built for developers, sysadmins, and privacy-focused users who want full control over their email infrastructure without relying on third-party providers. The creator aimed to reduce self-hosting email to just three simple steps: install, configure, and update DNS.

Keep it human and honest.

✨ Key Features

Simple JSON Configuration: Set ports, TLS certs, timeouts, and limits in a single ~/.config/dovel/config.json file.
Executable Hooks: Process incoming emails with receive-<domain> scripts (e.g., append to mbox) and outgoing with send-<domain> (e.g., logging); emails passed in mbox format via stdin.
User Vault for Sending: JSON array of users with email, password, and optional DKIM private key for authenticated sending and signing.
Standards Support: SMTP on ports like 587 (TLS recommended), DKIM signing on outbound, MX for inbound.
Optional: Web interface to browse emails (powered by scripts/git hooks).

🛠 Tech Stack

Backend: Go (module dovel.email/server v0.13.1)
Configuration: JSON
Hooks: Any executable (e.g., shell scripts)
Auth: Custom vault JSON
No Database: Hooks manage storage
Hosting: Self-hosted (binary, Docker: bleemayer/dovel), ports 25/587/465

👥 Who Is This For?

This project is useful for:

Developers who want to ___ self-host email without bloat
Self-hosting enthusiasts seeking ___ simple SMTP with hooks
Teams looking for ___ customizable mail processing

📸 Screenshots / Demo

Live demo: https://dovel.email
Git: https://dovel.email/server, https://git.derelict.garden/dovel/server

🔥 Project Status

🟡 Maintained

Last updated: 2025-11-26

❓ FAQ

Is this project free?

Yes / Open Source (LGPL-3.0) (Install via go install dovel.email/server@v0.13.1; fully free.)

Is the source code available?

Yes — https://dovel.email/server (cgit view), https://git.derelict.garden/dovel/server

Can I contribute?

Use git email workflow: send patches via git send-email to relevant repo (all email to dovel.email treated as mailing lists). See https://dovel.email/git.html for details (issues, PRs via patches, feedback to mailing lists).