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Zapmail consists of two main components that work together to provide a complete temporary email service: a Go-based SMTP server backend and a Next.js web interface frontend.

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Architecture

Zapmail’s deployment architecture includes:
  • SMTP Server: A custom Go server that handles incoming emails via the SMTP protocol
  • Web Interface: A Next.js application that provides the user interface for managing temporary email addresses
  • Database: PostgreSQL/Supabase for storing emails and user data
  • Email Processing: Automatic cleanup job that purges emails older than 7 days

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Component overview

1

SMTP server (Go backend)

The backend server listens on a configurable port and processes SMTP commands including HELO, EHLO, MAIL FROM, RCPT TO, DATA, and QUIT. It stores incoming emails in PostgreSQL and runs a cleanup job every hour.
2

Web interface (Next.js frontend)

The frontend provides a user-friendly interface for users to create temporary email addresses, view received emails, and manage their inbox. Built with Next.js 15 and React 19.
3

Database layer

PostgreSQL database (hosted on Supabase) stores email records with fields for username, recipient, raw email data, and received timestamp.

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Prerequisites

Before deploying Zapmail, ensure you have:

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For backend deployment

  • Go 1.23.6 or later installed
  • Access to a PostgreSQL database (Supabase recommended)
  • A server or hosting platform with TCP port access
  • Environment variables configured

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For frontend deployment

  • Node.js 20 or later
  • npm, pnpm, or yarn package manager
  • Access to the same PostgreSQL database as the backend
  • A hosting platform supporting Next.js (Vercel, Railway, etc.)

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Database requirements

Your PostgreSQL database must have an emails table with the following schema: 
CREATE TABLE emails (
  id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
  username VARCHAR(255) NOT NULL,
  recipient VARCHAR(255) NOT NULL,
  raw_data TEXT NOT NULL,
  received_at TIMESTAMP NOT NULL
);
The backend automatically handles email cleanup - emails older than 7 days are purged hourly.

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Deployment flow

1

Set up database

Create a PostgreSQL database on Supabase and configure the required table schema.
2

Deploy backend

Build and deploy the Go SMTP server with proper environment variables.
3

Deploy frontend

Build and deploy the Next.js web interface connected to the same database.
4

Configure settings

Set up environment variables and verify connectivity between components.

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Next steps

Backend setup

Deploy the Go SMTP server

Frontend setup

Deploy the Next.js interface

Configuration

Configure environment variables