What is a Cookie?
A cookie, web cookie, browser cookie or HTTP cookie is a pack of information stored by user’s web browser. Cookie is sent by a web server to the web browser and sent back each time the browser accesses that web server.
A cookie is used for user authentication, user tracking, maintaining user-specific information such as web site preference, shopping cart content, etc.
Cookie is a text string, not an application. It is not spyware or virus, but it can be used to track user’s browsing activities. This is considered as privacy for user.
Most web browsers today allow user to decide whether to accept or reject the cookies of that web site. Rejection of cookie might make some web sites unusable.
What is the Purpose of Using Cookie?
Cookie is used to function something that are specified to a user. For example, cookie is used in shopping cart basket, so that user can keep navigating, adding item, removing item, and the web site still remembers what user placed item to purchase.
Another use of cookie is allowing user to log in to a restricted web site. When user enters username and password, server can authenticate and allow access for that user.
Many web sites use cookies to personalize preferences for each user. For example, Google allows user to customize how many results they want to see per page.
Cookies also use for tracking visitors across the web. Tracking within a site is used for making usage statistics. Tracking across web site is used by advertising companies for making anonymous user profiles in purpose of target advertising.