Technatic | Cookies, also known as HTTP cookies or web cookies, are an important element in our online experience today. Although most internet users are familiar with cookies, not everyone fully understands what website cookies are, how they work, and why they are so important on the web. Therefore, let's look at the complete explanation about cookies in the following article!
What are Cookies ?
Cookies are a type of small text file that is stored on a user's device when they visit a website. Cookies on a website function as “memory” of a website, allowing the site to store information necessary for interaction between users and the site.
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Cookies can contain a variety of information, such as user preferences, visit history, session data, and more. By using cookies, websites can remember information about users from one visit to the next. So, cookies are a way for websites to “get to know” you and provide a more personalized experience.
Function of Cookies
Cookies have various very important functions in the internet world. The main functions of cookies include:
1. Authentication
Cookies allow websites to identify logged in users. This allows users to stay logged in on a website without having to re-enter their username and password each time they visit.
2. Preference Storage
Cookies can be used to store user preferences, such as preferred language, website theme or other display options. This helps create a more personal experience.
3. Activity Tracking
Websites may use cookies to track user activity, such as which pages they have visited or products they have viewed. This is useful for analysis and improving user experience.
4. Targeted Advertising
Cookies allow advertising companies to track users online and show them ads tailored to their interests. This helps in serving more relevant ads to users.
5. Shopping Cart
On e-commerce sites, cookies may be used to store items in a user's shopping cart when they shop online.
Types of Cookies
The types of cookies can be divided into categories based on various criteria such as intended use, storage duration and source of creation. Here are some common types of cookies:
- Session Cookies : These are temporary cookies that are created and stored only during the user's browsing session
- Persistent Cookies : These are cookies that remain on a user's device even after they exit the website or close the web browser
- Third-Party Cookies : These cookies are created by other websites that are not being visited by the user at that time.
- Secure Cookies : This is a type of cookie that is only sent over secure connections (HTTPS) to increase security
How Cookies Work
The way cookies work is quite simple. When you visit a website, the web server sends cookies to your device. This cookie is stored in your browser and will be sent back to the web server the next time you visit the site. For example, if you visit an e-commerce site and add some items to your shopping cart, cookies will be used to store information about those items.
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When you return to the website later, the cookie will help the website remember the items in your shopping cart. Typically, cookies are enabled by default in most web browsers. However, if you want to check or re-enable cookies, here's how to enable cookies in Chrome and other browsers:
1. Google Chrome
- Open Chrome.
- Click the three dots icon in the top right corner.
- Select “Settings”.
- Scroll down and click “Privacy and security.”
- Click “Cookies and other site data” (Cookies and other site data).
- Enable or disable the “Allow all cookies” option.
2. Mozilla Firefox
- Open Firefox
- Click the three lines icon in the top right corner
- Select “Options”
- Scroll down to the “Privacy & Security” section
- Select the “Custom” option under “Enhanced Tracking Protection”
- Check or uncheck “Cookies” to enable or disable cookies
3. Microsoft Edge
- Open Edge
- Click the three dots icon in the top right corner
- Select “Settings”
- Scroll down and click “Cookies and site permissions”
- Enable or disable the “Allow cookies on all sites” option.
Conclusion
That's a complete description of cookies, starting from the definition, function, types, and how they work. Cookies are an integral part of our internet experience. They allow websites to remember important information about users and provide a more personalized experience. Users can enable or disable cookies in their web browser according to their preferences, and they can also delete cookies if desired.
With a good understanding of the meaning and how to manage cookies, users can browse the internet more safely and efficiently. In essence, Cookies are an important part of our online experience that allow websites to store information and interact with users.