Cookie, also sometimes referred to as an HTTP cookie, a web cookie, or a browser cookie, is a small piece of data sent from a website and stored on the user’s computer by the user’s web browser while the user is browsing. Cookies are used to remember a user’s preferences online and are also used to track a user’s actions on a website.
Cookies are typically created when a user visits a website. The website sends a message to the web browser, which in turn creates a text file. This file is then stored on the user’s computer. When the user revisits the website, the browser sends the text file back to the website in order to remember the user’s preferences.
Cookies are often used in online advertising, as they can be used to track user behaviour and target relevant adverts. They are also used to store data between sessions and pages, such as login data, form data and shopping cart information.
Most browsers accept cookies by default, although users can usually change their browser settings to refuse cookies or ask for a warning before accepting cookies. Deleting cookies can be done in the browser settings, although certain cookies may need to be manually removed.
Cookies are a popular method of tracking and targeting users online, although some consider them to be intrusive and have issues with the associated privacy implications.
