If you’ve ever browsed the internet, you’ve likely encountered the term “cookies.” No, we’re not talking about the sweet treats you can eat, but rather a fundamental component of web technology. Cookies (sometimes called ‘trackers’) play a crucial role in enhancing your online experience, enabling websites to remember your preferences and offer personalised content. In this article, we will explore what cookies are, how they work on websites, and why they are essential for the modern web.

Cookies are small pieces of data that websites send to your web browser and store on your computer or device. These data files serve various purposes, from enhancing user experiences to tracking user behaviour and enabling essential website functionalities. Cookies are not inherently harmful; they are simply text files with specific information that your browser can access when you revisit a website.

Cookies operate in a straightforward manner, involving three primary components: a cookie file, a web server, and a web browser. Here’s how they work:

• Request a response: When you visit a website, your web browser sends an HTTP request to the web server hosting that site. The web server then processes the request and sends back an HTTP response, which includes the web page you requested and any associated resources.
• Cookie creation: During this process, the web server can also send a small text file called a cookie along with the response. This cookie contains specific data, such as a user identifier or preferences related to the website.
• Storage on your device: Once received, your web browser stores the cookie on your device, typically in a designated folder. Cookies can be categorised as either “session cookies” or “persistent cookies.”
  • Session cookies: These cookies are temporary and are stored only for the duration of your current browsing session. They are often used to store temporary information like shopping cart contents.
  • Persistent cookies: These cookies are stored on your device for a specified period, even after you close your browser. They are commonly used for remembering login credentials and user preferences.
• Subsequent requests: When you return to the same website, your web browser automatically sends any relevant cookies associated with that site back to the web server along with your new request.
• Website customisation: The web server can then use the information stored in the cookie to customise your browsing experience. For example, it might remember your login status, language preference, or previous interactions on the site.

Cookies are essential for several reasons:

• User convenience: They improve user experiences by remembering login credentials, site preferences, and items in your shopping cart, making it more convenient to browse and shop online.
• Personalisation: Cookies enable websites to deliver personalised content, recommendations, and advertisements based on your past interactions and interests.
• Tracking and analytics: Website owners can use cookies to gather data on user behaviour, helping them improve site performance, understand their audience, and make informed decisions.
• Security: While cookies themselves are not a security risk, they can be used to enhance security measures like authentication and authorisation.
• Session management: Session cookies help maintain continuity during online sessions, ensuring that you don’t lose data when moving between pages on a website.

Cookies are a fundamental part of how the modern web operates, enabling websites to remember your preferences, provide a personalised experience, and gather important data for website owners. While they are an invaluable tool for enhancing your online experience, it’s essential to be aware of how cookies work and how they may impact your privacy. Most web browsers allow you to manage and control cookies, providing you with the flexibility to tailor your online experience to your preferences.