IT & Technology · Web DevelopmentEasy

HTTP Cookie

USUK

Small pieces of data stored by a browser, sent by web servers to track sessions and user preferences.

Also: HTTP cookie · web cookie

Definition

An HTTP cookie is a small piece of data sent from a web server and stored by the user's browser. Cookies persist information between HTTP requests, enabling stateful interactions in the otherwise stateless HTTP protocol. They are used for session management (keeping users logged in), personalization (storing preferences), and tracking (analytics, advertising). Security attributes include HttpOnly (preventing JavaScript access), Secure (HTTPS only), and SameSite (CSRF protection). GDPR and CCPA have created strict regulations around cookie consent.

Example

“When you log into a website, the server sets an authentication cookie in your browser that proves your identity on each subsequent page request without re-entering credentials.”

Synonyms

browser cookie
session cookie
web cookie
HTTP cookie

Antonyms / Opposites

cookieless tracking
stateless session

Images

CC-licensed · free to use

Video

http
session
local-storage
csrf

Dictionary Entry

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