What are cookies on a website used for?

Cookies on a website are primarily used to track visitors, which involves storing small pieces of data on users’ devices. This data can include user preferences, session information, and behaviors on the site. When a user revisits the website, these cookies help the website remember who the user is, providing a more personalized experience by recalling login details, items in shopping carts, or user settings. This tracking is crucial for analytics purposes, allowing websites to gather data on how many users visit, what pages they view, and how long they stay, which can inform site improvements and marketing strategies.

While cookies do not directly manage server requests, reduce loading times, or enhance graphic display, they play a significant role in understanding user interactions and preferences, which ultimately can influence many aspects of website performance and user experience.