PHP fsocketopen port 25 verses mail()

Question

I am looking at two classes used for sending emails from PHP scripts. One uses fsocketopen to port 25 and the other uses PHP mail() for sending. I understand with fsocketopen I can do better error handling based on server responses, other than that, what are the pros / cons for each? Or if anyone could point me to documentation - I've been unable to find information on the pros and cons - that would be equally helpful.

Answer 1

mail does everything for you, fsocketopen requires you write the all the headers for the email. If you're fine with doing it manually, fsocketopen is a decent approach. They both have their trade offs.. mail is easy but slightly more restrictive, fsocketopen is harder to use, but allows you to do whatever you want.