If you deal with the Internet and the web, you must have come across the word cookie. The first thing that comes to mind when we hear this word is small, delicious, and nutty sweets! However, in computer-related topics, this word refers to small and temporary text data stored on the user’s computer by websites. Stay with Ded9.com to learn more about cookies and their use on the Internet, and how they work. Let’s find out.
What exactly are cookies?
As we said at the beginning of the article, cookies are small text data that are usually stored temporarily (with an expiration date) in your browser and contain information about the desired size and your activities on that site.
Usually, the data used to identify users on a site will be stored on your device by a cookie. In simpler words, a website will recognize you with the help of cookies.
In general, cookies are divided into two main categories, which include first-party cookies (cookies that belong directly to the website you have opened) and third-party cookies (stored in your browser by third-party codes such as advertising services and… be)
What are the uses of cookies?
You have experienced this many times. When you intend to log in to your user account on a website, only the first time you log in to the user account the website asks you for login information (username, password), but in subsequent visits, you do not need to log in. The information is automatically entered into your user account; in most cases, this is done with the help of cookies.
When you enter a site, your device stores the information as a temporary text file (cookie). The next time you visit the site, a request is first sent by the website to your browser; if the required cookie (login information and identification) is available on your device, your site will be recognized, and you will automatically enter your account! (This action will be carried out until you manually delete the cookies or until their expiration date comes)
Other uses of cookies include user identification, site statistical analysis, saving settings and customizations, targeting advertisements displayed to the user, etc.
Why do we use cookies?
The HTTP protocol, the requests are independent, and the server cannot categorize different requests. This problem is solved with the help of cookies and saving a small text file on the client side (on the user’s device). In addition, the HTTP protocol is stateless, and between the request and the responses, That logical connection does not exist. In simpler terms, this protocol is a bit forgetful, so we must establish interaction between the server and the client (here, the user’s device) with the help of a regular session. In such cases, this process is done by a cookie. will be
Are cookies dangerous?
Normally no! A cookie is a simple text file that is stored on your device, your important information is encrypted in the cookie, and usually, only your ID is stored in the cookie, and your password is not saved, so even with direct access to the cookie, There will be no possibility of abuse, and you can prevent cookies from being stored in your browser whenever you want (although in some cases this can disrupt the site’s functionality and your user experience)
Does the cookie violate the privacy of the user?
If you have not provided your personal information to websites, cookies cannot access your personal information. As we explained above, cookies are used for various purposes, one of which is to analyze user behavior to display targeted advertisements this possibility There is a website that saves some of your behavioral habits in cookies and shows you your favorite ads based on them; the next time, however, this process is used to improve your user experience. It cannot by itself protect your privacy. It doesn’t compromise your privacy, so you don’t have to worry too much about cookies, and you can block cookies or delete them from your device whenever you want (not recommended).
What are the components of a cookie?
Each cookie consists of 7 components or characteristics, which include the following:
- The name of the cookie
- Cookie content
- expiration time
- Cookie path
- Post Type
- How to access
In these cases, the name and content of the cookie are required and must be present in the cookie.