A cookie, in the context of web technology, is a small text file that is stored on the user's computer by the web browser. It is used to store information about the user's browsing activities and preferences.
Cookies are commonly used for various purposes, such as tracking user sessions, remembering user preferences, and personalizing website content. For example, a website may use cookies to remember a user's login credentials and keep them logged in, or to save items in a user's shopping cart.
Cookies are created by websites and sent to the user's browser when they visit the website. The browser stores the cookies and sends them back to the website on subsequent visits, allowing the website to recognize the user and provide a customized experience.
It is important to note that cookies can be used for both legitimate and potentially malicious purposes. While cookies can enhance the user experience by remembering user preferences and settings, they can also be used for tracking user behavior and gathering personal information.