What is Browser Cookies? How Websites Remember You | Johor Web Design

Have you ever visited a website and seen a pop-up message saying something like “This site uses cookies”? If you’ve clicked “Accept” without really knowing what that means, you’re not alone. Cookies are a normal part of browsing the internet, but many people aren’t sure what they actually do—or why every website seems to need them. In this blog post, we will explain about what is browser cookies and the types of browser cookies.

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How Do Browser Cookies Work?

When you visit a website, it can ask your browser (like Chrome, Safari, or Edge) to save a small piece of information, this is the browser cookie. The next time you visit that site, your browser sends the cookie back to the website. This helps the site remember you.

For example:

• If you log in to a website, a cookie can help keep you logged in.
• If you add something to your shopping cart, cookies can remember that item.
• If you choose dark mode or a certain language, cookies store that setting.

Without cookies, you no need have to log in every time, re-select your preferences, or start your shopping cart from scratch each visit.

Types of Cookies

There are different types of cookies, depending on what they do and how long they stay on your device:

1. Session Cookies
   Session cookies exist only in memory and are deleted when you close your browser. They are used to track your actions during a single visit, such as keeping items in a shopping cart until checkout
2. Persistent Cookies
   Persistent cookies remain on your device until they expire (per their expiration date) or you delete them. They enable “remember me” features, so you can stay logged in between visits and long-term tracking, such as saving language preferences
3. First-Party Cookies vs Third-Party Cookies
   • First-party cookies are set by the website you’re visiting and are generally used for essential functions (login, preferences).
   • Third-party cookies are set by domains other than the one you’re visiting that commonly used by advertisers to track you across multiple sites and build profiles of your browsing behavior .

Common Uses of Browser Cookies

• Authentication:
  Remembering that you’re logged in and which account you’re using, so you don’t have to re-enter credentials on each page
• Preferences:
  Storing choices such as language, theme, or font size, so the site feels personalized on return visits
• Shopping Carts:
  Keeping track of items you add to a cart before purchase, even if you navigate away from the page
• Analytics and Tracking:
  Collecting data on which pages you visit and how you interact, helping site owners improve content and advertisers target ads

Managing and Controlling Cookies

Most browsers let you view, delete, or block cookies via settings or preferences. You can:

• Block all cookies or only third-party cookies.
• Clear cookies when closing the browser.
• Whitelist specific sites to always allow cookies.

Use private or incognito mode, which discards session cookies on exit.