Sessioevästeet

Sessioevästeet, also known as session cookies, are temporary text files that are stored on a user's computer only for the duration of their visit to a website. Unlike persistent cookies, which remain on a user's device for a set period, session cookies are automatically deleted when the browser is closed.

The primary function of session cookies is to maintain stateful information as a user navigates through a website. This is crucial for many web applications to work correctly. For example, when a user adds items to a shopping cart on an e-commerce site, a session cookie can be used to remember which items have been added as the user browses different pages. Without session cookies, the shopping cart would likely reset every time a new page was loaded.

Another common use is for user authentication. When a user logs into a website, a session cookie can be created to identify their logged-in session. This allows the website to recognize the user on subsequent page requests without requiring them to re-enter their login credentials repeatedly. This is a fundamental security and usability feature for many online services.

Session cookies are generally considered less privacy-invasive than persistent cookies because they are not designed to track users over extended periods. They are essential for the basic functionality of many interactive websites and web applications, enhancing the user experience by providing continuity and personalization during a single browsing session.