A cookie is an information of text stored on a user’s computer by their web browser. A cookie consists of one or more value containing bits of information, which may be encrypted for information privacy and data security purposes.
Cookie tell the server that you returned to that Web page and help to remember who you are.
Cookies may be set by the server with or without an expiration date. Cookies without an expiration date exist until the browser terminates, while cookies with an expiration date may be stored by the browser until the expiration date passes. Users may also manually delete cookies in order to save space or to avoid privacy issues.
To see stored cookie in your browser, go to tools—options— privacy—remove individual cookie.
Types of cookies
Session cookie
A session cookie only lasts for the duration of users using the website. A session cookie will expire if a user closes his/her browser.
Persistent cookie
A persistent cookie will outlast user sessions. If a persistent cookie has Max-Age set to 1 year, then, within the year, the initial value set in that cookie would be sent back to server every time the user is visiting the server.
Third-party cookie
First-party cookies are cookies set with the same domain or its subdomain in your browser’s address bar. Third-party cookies are cookies being set with different domains than the one shown on address bar.
Tracking
Tracking cookies may be used to track internet users’ web browsing habits. This can also be done in part by using the IP address of the computer requesting the page.