Homonym: cookie (Tracking)
A "cookie" is a small text file that is stored on a user's computer by a web browser when visiting a website. Cookies are used to remember information about the user, such as login details, preferences, and items in a shopping cart. This helps improve the browsing experience by allowing websites to recognize returning visitors and provide personalized content.
There are different types of cookies, including session cookies, which are temporary and deleted when the browser is closed, and persistent cookies, which remain on the device for a set period. Cookies play a crucial role in web functionality and are essential for services like online banking and e-commerce, where user authentication and data retention are important.