What is a cookie in the context of website usage?

A cookie, in the context of website usage, is a text file that identifies website visitors. When a user visits a website, the site may store a small piece of data on the user's device through this text file. This data can include information such as user preferences, login credentials, and items in a shopping cart. By recognizing returning visitors through cookies, websites can enhance user experience by providing personalized content and remembering user settings. Additionally, cookies help in analyzing website traffic, enabling site owners to improve their services.

Cookies are a standard and legitimate part of web browsing, unlike malware, which is designed to harm devices, or programs that slow down browsers. They also do not inherently constitute illegal data collection, as their use is typically governed by privacy regulations and user consent is often required for tracking personal data. Therefore, identifying cookies as text files that identify website visitors accurately captures their purpose and functionality.