What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small pieces of data - essentially tiny text files - that are sent from a website’s server to your web browser when you visit a website, and then stored on your device (such as your computer, tablet, or phone). These files help the website remember information about your visit so that your next interaction with the site is smoother, more personalized, and more efficient. In technical terms, a cookie is created by the web server and sent to your browser with a Set-Cookie header. Once stored, your browser sends the cookie back to the server with each subsequent request - enabling the site to recognize your device and your preferences over time.
Cookies can serve many functions, including:
- Remembering your login session so you stay signed in as you move between pages.
- Saving your preferences (such as language or display settings).
- Helping analytics tools understand how visitors use the site so we can improve performance.
- Supporting advertising partners in delivering relevant ads (with proper consent). There are two key types of cookies:
- Session cookies - which are temporary and are deleted when you close your browser.
- Persistent cookies - which remain on your device until they expire or are deleted. Cookies themselves do not usually contain personal information like your name or email address, but they can be used to identify a browser or device when combined with other data.
