sending out a mass mail from emails in a database

[Kagey]

Hey all,

I was wondering what is the best way to loop through a query result and send an email to each email address in the records (1 per record).

I tried just looping through and using the mail() function, but for 1500 - 2000 emails it takes more than 10 mins, and that is not acceptable.

any other ways of doing it?

[this is not spam by the way. its for realtors to keep in touch with their clients]

thanks,

[cpradio]

Considering you posted this in the PHP forum I am assuming this is online and is probably dealing with a SLQ or MySQL database.

The problem lies in that it takes 10 minutes b/c that is the fastest the server can spit out the emails, either due to bandwidth restrictions or the server just isnt fast enough for such a job due to lack of memory or physical resources.

Honestly the only other way would be to send them all at once, but that will take just as long (if not longer and would reveal everyones email address to everyone who received the email).

-Matt

[filburt1]

I agree with Matt; that's how vBulletin does it too, which is why when John sends out a mass mail to everybody that the support site becomes slow for hours.

[scoutt]

actually php wasn't designed to send mass emails. it is the timeout factor in php. the best way to do it is with perl

[Kagey]

ok thanks guys, ill see what i can dig up in perl.

[Duffman]

In Perl you can use the Sendmail.pm module as long as your web server the script is running on has access to an SMTP service.

[The Hobo]

Since this thread is 3 months old, I'm guess he either:

1) Found a solution, or
2) Gave up and has moved on.

[da_silvy]

yes, no need to dig it up again

[Kagey]

I whole heartily agree with the views expressed by Hobo.