Glossary

Email parsing

Email parsing

Email parsing is the process of programmatically extracting structured data from email content – typically using a parser tool, script, or API. It allows developers to pull specific information (like names, order numbers, dates, or tracking IDs) from incoming messages and use that data in apps, workflows, or databases. 

Parsing can extract data from: 

  • Subject lines or headers 
  • Plaintext or HTML body content 
  • Attachments (like PDFs or invoices) 
  • Metadata (e.g., timestamps, sender/recipient) 

There are two parsing styles: 

  • Structured parsing: Works best on predictable, templated emails (e.g., standardized web forms or notifications) 
  • Unstructured parsing: Uses more advanced logic or machine learning to handle variable or messy inputs 

Mailgun’s email parsing capabilities help automate workflows, like turning order requests into CRM entries, handling unsubscribe logic, or routing support tickets based on email content. 

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