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Install in OpenClaw
/install zmail
Description
Local-first email for agents: IMAP sync to maildir + SQLite (FTS5); CLI search, read, thread, who, attachments. Requires Node 20+, npm install (`npm install...
Usage Guidance
This skill appears to do what it says: a local IMAP sync + SQLite index with a CLI and optional OpenAI-powered commands. Before installing: 1) Decide whether you are comfortable with email-derived content being sent to OpenAI (used by `zmail ask`, `zmail inbox`, and optionally `who --enrich`); sensitive mail should not be sent unless you accept that. 2) Prefer `npx @cirne/zmail` for one-off use or inspect the npm package source at https://github.com/cirne/zmail before global install. 3) Be aware the native better-sqlite3 addon may rebuild/compile on first run (requires build tools and will execute build scripts). 4) Protect ~/.zmail/.env (file permissions, backups) since it stores credentials. 5) Note the registry metadata mismatch: the top-level metadata says no env vars required while SKILL.md clearly needs ZMAIL_EMAIL, ZMAIL_IMAP_PASSWORD, and an OpenAI key—verify the UI will request/secure those values before proceeding.
Capability Analysis
Type: OpenClaw Skill
Name: zmail
Version: 0.1.2
The zmail skill provides a local-first email management interface for AI agents, utilizing IMAP for synchronization and SQLite for indexing. It explicitly discloses its requirement for sensitive credentials (IMAP passwords and OpenAI API keys) and notes that specific features like `zmail ask` and `zmail inbox` transmit email data to OpenAI. The documentation in SKILL.md and CANONICAL-DOCS.md includes proactive security warnings regarding command injection and credential handling, and the tool's behavior appears entirely consistent with its stated purpose of enabling agent-driven email automation.
Capability Assessment
Purpose & Capability
The name/description (local-first IMAP sync, SQLite FTS5 index, CLI search/read/ask) match the declared requirements: Node/npm, the zmail CLI, IMAP credentials, and an OpenAI key for 'ask'/'inbox' features. Nothing unrelated is requested.
Instruction Scope
SKILL.md instructs the agent to install and run the zmail CLI, create a local cache under ~/.zmail, and (optionally) send email-derived content to OpenAI or third-party 'enrich' APIs for certain commands. Those network calls are explicitly described as optional, but they do mean email content may leave the device when using those commands—this is within the stated purpose but is a privacy-sensitive action the user/agent must opt into.
Install Mechanism
No install spec in registry (instruction-only), but SKILL.md tells users to run `npm install -g @cirne/zmail` or `npx @cirne/zmail`. That's a standard npm-based install; it also uses native better-sqlite3 which can rebuild a native addon on first run. That build step can execute code during compilation and may require toolchain access—expected for this project but worth noting.
Credentials
Required config/env (ZMAIL_EMAIL, ZMAIL_IMAP_PASSWORD, ZMAIL_OPENAI_API_KEY or OPENAI_API_KEY) are proportionate to an IMAP-sync tool with optional OpenAI features. However, the registry summary at the top lists “Required env vars: none” while the SKILL.md and openclaw.requires declare the three env variables—this metadata mismatch is an incoherence to fix before trusting UI-level permission prompts.
Persistence & Privilege
Skill is instruction-only and not always-enabled; it does not request elevated platform persistence. It stores config and a local mail cache under ~/.zmail (documented) which is appropriate for its functionality.
How to Use
- Make sure OpenClaw is installed (local or Docker)
- Run the install command in chat:
/install zmail - After installation, invoke the skill by name or use
/zmail - Provide required inputs per the skill's parameter spec and get structured output
Version History
v0.1.2
zmail 0.1.2
- Adds support for automatic native better-sqlite3 rebuild on first run if Node ABI mismatch is detected.
- Clarifies that native dependencies may be rebuilt dynamically, not just at install.
- Expands documentation around environment variables, credentials on disk, and local wipe behavior.
- Notes read-only IMAP sync posture (no SMTP/send in this version).
- Minor documentation updates for clarity and agent-oriented workflows.
v0.1.1
zmail 0.1.1 changelog
- Metadata and documentation updated: SKILL.md now includes explicit version, homepage, repository, and OpenClaw registry fields for greater package transparency.
- Description clarified: Details on install requirements, OpenAI API usage, and third-party API enrichment have been refined.
- Privacy and security guidance improved: Now explicitly states which features send data to third parties and which do not.
- Licensing and provenance information surfaced: Directs users to the GitHub repository for source and license.
- No code changes; updates are documentation and metadata only.
v0.1.0
zmail 0.1.0 – Initial Release
- Syncs email over IMAP into local maildir and indexes with SQLite FTS5.
- Provides CLI commands: search, read, thread, who, attachment, and natural-language Q&A via zmail ask (OpenAI).
- Supports agent-friendly, subprocess-compatible output using local disk index for fast, stable queries.
- Interactive (`zmail wizard`) and non-interactive (`zmail setup`) configuration flows.
- Requires Node.js 20+, IMAP credentials, and OpenAI key for setup and ask/inbox features.
- Local-first design: all mail and index data stored in user-controlled directories.
Metadata
Frequently Asked Questions
What is zmail?
Local-first email for agents: IMAP sync to maildir + SQLite (FTS5); CLI search, read, thread, who, attachments. Requires Node 20+, npm install (`npm install... It is an AI Agent Skill for Claude Code / OpenClaw, with 183 downloads so far.
How do I install zmail?
Run "/install zmail" in the OpenClaw or Claude Code chat to install it in one step — no extra setup required.
Is zmail free?
Yes, zmail is completely free, licensed under MIT-0. You can download, install and use it at no cost.
Which platforms does zmail support?
zmail is cross-platform and runs anywhere OpenClaw / Claude Code is available (cross-platform).
Who created zmail?
It is built and maintained by Lew Cirne (@cirne); the current version is v0.1.2.
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