The term "cookies" refers to small text files that are stored on a user's computer by websites. These files contain information about the user's interaction with the website and are used by web browsers to store certain information and retrieve it on future visits to the website.
Cookies have various meanings and functions in the field of web design:
- Session cookies: These cookies are used during a single session on a website and are deleted as soon as the user closes the browser. They help to store information about the current visit, e.g. logged-in users or the contents of a shopping basket.
- Persistent cookies: These cookies remain stored on the user's computer for longer and are retrieved each time the website is visited. They are used to store information such as settings, preferences or login information in order to improve the user experience.
- Tracking cookies: These cookies are used to track user behaviour on a website, such as clicks, pages visited or time spent. They are often used for marketing purposes to display personalised advertising or perform website analyses.
An example of the use of cookies is the shopping basket on an e-commerce website. When a user places products in the shopping basket and then navigates the website, cookies allow the selected products to remain stored in the shopping basket until the user completes the purchase.
It is important to note that cookies can also raise privacy and security issues. Users should be informed and have the option to accept or reject cookies. Many browsers offer settings to control the use of cookies or to delete them.
Overall, cookies in the area of web design serve to improve the user experience, provide personalised content and store important information about the user's interaction with the website.
