What is the difference between cache and cookies?

The main difference between cache and cookies is that cache is a temporary memory for storing web resources on the client machine to load the web pages quickly while cookie is a small piece of information stored on the client machine to maintain user preferences. and browsing activities.

The cache or web cache is temporary storage that saves web content for future requests. On the other hand, a cookie is a small amount of data generated by a website. The web browser stores that data to remember user information. It is similar to a preferences file created by a software application.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is cache
     – Definition, Functionality
2. What are cookies
     – Definition, Functionality
3. What is the difference between cache and cookies?
     – Comparison of key differences

Key terms

Cache, Cookies

what is cache

Cache is temporary storage that stores web page resources on a client’s machine to load web pages quickly. It is also called web cache or HTTP cache . When opening a website consisting of images, videos, etc., it takes a while to load the website. To prevent that, the web browser stores the content of the site, such as images, audio, etc., on the user’s computer. Therefore, the next time you visit the website, it loads faster than before.

For example, if a user frequently visits the www.pediaa.com website, the browser stores logs, navigation bars, etc. in your computer’s browser cache. The next time the user visits this website, the browser can use the saved data to load the pages quickly. In general, the cache provides accessibility to the required web pages in a short period of time. Thus, it helps to improve web browsing speed.

What are cookies

A cookie is a small piece of data sent from a website. It is stored in the web browser of the client computer. For example, suppose the user visits an online shopping website. Add multiple items to your cart. Cookies help remember this type of information. Also, it helps to track the user’s browsing activities. Records button clicks, login and logs of previously visited pages. It also keeps details like names, addresses, passwords, etc. that the user writes on the websites.

Also, cookies store information for a short period of time. So, that data expires. In general, cookies help maintain client states. On the other hand, they will not work if the browser disables the cookie. Also, cookie objects can only store textual information.

Difference between cache and cookies

Definition

Cache or web cache is a temporary storage of web documents such as HTML pages and images to reduce server lag. In contrast, a cookie is a small piece of data that is sent from a website and stored on the user’s computer by the web browser. These statements describe the main difference between cache and cookies.

Type of information

The cache stores web resources such as videos, images, and audio, while cookies store information about user preferences. Hence, this is another difference between cache and cookies.

Lifetime

Also, the cache is available on the client machine until manually deleted by the user. However, a cookie expires after some time.

Function

Function is another important difference between cache and cookies. Cache helps web pages load faster, while cookies help store state information and record user browsing activities.

conclusion

The difference between cache and cookie is that cache is a temporary memory for storing web resources on the client machine to load web pages quickly, while a cookie is a small piece of information stored on the client machine to maintain preferences. and user browsing activities.

Reference:

1. “Web cache.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, November 7, 2018, Available here.
2. “HTTP Cookie”. Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, November 8, 2018, Available here.

Courtesy image:

1. “HTTP Cookie Exchange” By Tizio – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia