Cookies are small pieces of data that are stored on a user’s computer or device by a website. They are used to remember user preferences and activities on a website, such as login information, shopping cart contents, or language preferences. Cookies are also used for tracking user behavior and providing personalized experiences, such as targeted advertisements or product recommendations.

There are two types of cookies: session cookies and persistent cookies. Session cookies are temporary and are deleted when the user closes their browser. Persistent cookies, on the other hand, are stored on the user’s device for a longer period of time, and can be used to track user behavior across multiple sessions.

While cookies are generally harmless, they have raised privacy concerns, as they can be used to collect personal information about users without their knowledge or consent. As a result, many websites now provide options for users to opt-out of cookie tracking or to limit the amount of data that is collected through cookies.

(Ed: written by ChatGPT; verified by jrivett.)