What are small text files created by browsers that save personal preferences and track users?

Cookies are small text files created by web browsers that store information about user preferences and track user behavior across websites. They play a crucial role in enhancing user experiences by remembering login details, personal preferences, and other settings that simplify web navigation. For instance, when you revisit a website, cookies allow it to retrieve your previous preferences, such as language settings or items in a shopping cart, making the browsing experience more personalized and efficient.

The use of cookies is essential for session management and tracking, enabling websites to recognize returning users and maintain session continuity. This feature is particularly valuable for online shopping platforms and social media sites, where remembering user input enhances usability significantly.

In contrast, sessions are temporary and typically involve storing user data on the server side for the duration of a user's visit. Files and logs do not serve the same specific purpose of user tracking and preference storage as cookies do. Therefore, understanding the unique role cookies play in web interactions highlights their importance in both user experience and web development.