What is a cookie in the context of Web browsing?

In the context of web browsing, a cookie refers to a small chunk of information stored on a computer by a website. Cookies are created when users visit a website and are used to remember specific information about the user, such as login credentials, preferences, or items in a shopping cart. This allows websites to provide a more personalized browsing experience and can facilitate tasks such as maintaining sessions or tracking user behavior for analytics.

Cookies serve various purposes, including session management, personalization, and tracking. For instance, when you log into a site, a cookie might be used to remember your login status, enabling you to navigate through different pages without needing to re-enter your credentials.

Understanding cookies is essential for anyone working in payments or e-commerce, as they play a critical role in user experience and data management. Furthermore, it is crucial to adhere to privacy regulations regarding cookie usage to ensure user consent and transparency in data handling.