What is a Cookie

Introduction

In computer terms, a cookie is a small piece of data stored on a user's computer by a web browser while browsing a website. Cookies are used to remember information about the user, such as login details, preferences, or tracking data, to provide a more personalized browsing experience.

Types of Cookies

There are different types of cookies based on their function and lifespan:

• Session Cookies: These cookies are temporary and are deleted once the user closes the browser. They help track user activity during a single session on a website.
• Persistent Cookies: These cookies remain stored on the user’s device for a specified period, allowing websites to remember users on future visits, like remembering login credentials.
• Third-Party Cookies: Cookies placed by external services or advertisers to track user behavior across multiple websites, often used for targeted advertising.

How Cookies Work

When a user visits a website, the website can send cookies to the user's browser, which stores the information locally. The next time the user visits the site, the browser sends the stored cookie data back to the website, allowing it to remember the user and provide relevant content or services.

Why Cookies Are Important

Cookies are essential for improving user experience by personalizing content, remembering login details, and enabling shopping carts on e-commerce sites. However, they can also raise privacy concerns, especially when used for tracking user activity across websites. That's why most websites now require users' consent before storing cookies.