how to create small email application

Question

Hi i am doing final year mca i want to do project small email application like gmail...

what is the procedure for that..

all incoming and outgoing mails are want to store in my database....

it is possible in localhost are any other software or domain need....

for this application , i not have idea

but i think database must need for store emails,

any one know the concept please help me

thanks.....