Cookie

A cookie is a small piece of data stored in a user's browser by a website. Cookies often store session data, user preferences, or tracking information.

Also known as : HTTP cookie, browser cookie.

Comparisons

• Session vs. Persistent Cookies : Session cookies expire when the browser closes, while persistent cookies remain until a set expiration date.

• First-party vs. Third-party Cookies : First-party cookies originate from the site being visited; third-party cookies come from external domains.

Pros

• Enhanced user experience : Stores preferences for faster and personalized interactions.

• Facilitates analytics : Tracks user activity for insights.

Cons

• Privacy concerns : Can be used for intrusive tracking.

• Storage limitations : Maximum size of 4KB per cookie.

Example

A cookie stores a user’s shopping cart items on an e-commerce website to retain the cart during the browsing session.