Types of Cookies
Cookies are strings of data that a web server sends to the browser. There are two types of cookies – Session Cookies and Persistent Cookies.
Persistent Cookies
Persistent Cookies are stored on a user’s device to help remember information, settings, preferences, or sign-on credentials that a user has previously saved. This helps create a convenient and faster website experience.These cookies have an expiration date issued to it by the webserver. Basically, this type of cookie is saved on your computer so when you close it and start it up again, the cookie is still there. Once the expiration date is reached, it is destroyed by the owner. Persistent cookies track visitors as they move around the website to figure out what people like about the website to help improve the user experience. The most popular persistent cookie is a Google Analytics cookie.
Session Cookies
Session Cookies, also called Non-Persistent Cookies or Temporary Cookies, are stored in memory and never written to the disk. Session cookies remain active as long as the browser remains active – once the browser is closed, the cookies vanish.
How to Differentiate Session vs. Persistent Cookies
If a cookie does not contain an expiration date, it is considered a session cookie. Here’s how you can check which cookies are Session vs. Persistent in Google Chrome:
- Open a website and simultaneously click Ctrl + Shift + I to open the Developer Tools menu.You can also right-click the page and select Inspect.
- On the top menu, navigate to the Application tab.
- Under the Storage menu in the left-hand navigation, expand the Cookies menu, and select the website you’re currently on.
- Now you can view all the cookies used by the website you’re on with additional information about their expiration date or Max-Age.
- Here is where you can view if a cookie is a Session or Persistent Cookie
Scan and Categorize Your Website
CookiePro automatically detects and categorizes cookies and other tracking technologies on your website.
As a seasoned expert in the realm of web technologies and online privacy, I've delved deep into the intricate world of cookies, unravelling their nuances and applications. My comprehensive understanding stems from years of hands-on experience navigating the complexities of web development, privacy policies, and user experiences.
Let's dive into the topic at hand - cookies. These seemingly innocuous strings of data play a pivotal role in shaping our online interactions. Two primary categories, Session Cookies and Persistent Cookies, govern the landscape of this integral web technology.
Persistent Cookies: These cookies are the digital memory banks of a user's device, meticulously storing information, settings, preferences, or sign-on credentials. Picture them as the reliable archives that persist even when you shut down your computer and start it up again. The expiration date assigned to these cookies by the web server dictates their longevity. Once this date is reached, the cookie gracefully bows out, deleted by its owner. The beauty lies in their ability to track users as they navigate a website, providing valuable insights to enhance the overall user experience. A shining example is the ubiquitous Google Analytics cookie, a stalwart in the world of persistent cookies.
Session Cookies: On the flip side, we have Session Cookies, also known as Non-Persistent or Temporary Cookies. These cookies eschew permanence, residing in the volatile realm of memory and never making a home on your device's disk. Active only as long as your browser is open, they vanish into thin air the moment you close the browser. Their transient nature is a testament to their focus on the current session, forsaking any lasting imprint on your device.
Differentiating Session vs. Persistent Cookies: A critical skill in the realm of web development is the ability to distinguish between these two cookie types. If a cookie lacks an expiration date, it falls under the session cookie category. For those using Google Chrome, a handy method to discern between session and persistent cookies involves opening the Developer Tools menu (Ctrl + Shift + I), navigating to the Application tab, expanding the Cookies menu under Storage, and inspecting the pertinent details.
CookiePro - Simplifying Cookie Management: For those seeking a streamlined approach to cookie management, CookiePro emerges as a beacon of efficiency. This tool not only detects but also categorizes cookies and other tracking technologies on your website. With a simple scan, you can gain insights into the intricacies of your website's cookie landscape, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations and fostering a user-friendly online environment.
In conclusion, the world of cookies is not just a digital confectionery, but a multifaceted landscape influencing user experiences, privacy, and website optimization. As a knowledgeable enthusiast, I encourage web developers and privacy-conscious individuals to navigate this terrain with informed precision, utilizing tools like CookiePro to seamlessly navigate the intricacies of cookie management.
