A cookie is a small data file stored on a user's device via their web browser, used for tracking the user's actions and personalizing their experience on websites. Cookies store information such as login credentials, preferences, and browsing behavior.
🔑 Key Features:
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Storage Location: Cookies are stored on the user's device (such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet).
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Purpose: They help websites recognize users and save their preferences.
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Speed: Cookies are small and load quickly.
🧠 Types of Cookies:
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Session Cookies
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These cookies are only stored for the duration of a session (while the browser is open) and are deleted when the browser is closed.
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Purpose: To store temporary data, such as items in a shopping cart, as the user navigates between pages on the site.
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Persistent Cookies
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These cookies are stored on the user's device for a longer period (days, weeks, or months) and are used when the user returns to the website.
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Purpose: To track the user's behavior on the site and provide a more personalized experience.
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Functional Cookies
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These cookies are necessary for the website’s functionality, such as remembering language settings or other personalized data.
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Purpose: To personalize interactions with the website.
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✅ Advantages:
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Personalized Experience: Websites can adapt content to the user’s interests and preferences.
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Convenience: Cookies allow websites to automatically fill in details, such as usernames and passwords, when revisiting.
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Targeted Advertising: Advertisers can show ads based on the user’s preferences gathered via cookies.
❌ Disadvantages:
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Privacy Concerns: Cookies can track user actions, which can raise privacy issues.
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Limited Storage: Cookies can only store a small amount of data, which can sometimes limit their functionality.
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Advertising Tracking: Some cookies are used for tracking users, which may be perceived as an invasion of privacy.
🧪 Real-Life Example:
Imagine you visit an online store and add items to your cart. When you return to the store after a few hours or days, the site will show your items in the cart thanks to the cookies it stored earlier.