The web is essentially stateless.
This means that what happens during any given page load is not “remembered” once the browser user navigates away from the page or closes the browser application.
Example
If you fill out a web form and then hit the back button of the browser before submitting it, the information you added to that form will be lost. That is, unless the web page implements a mechanism to store that information or (in some cases) the web browser itself cachesCaches are temporary storage mechanisms for frequently accessed things such as domain name queries, images, even entire web pages. Their purpose is to make the web faster. the contents somehow.
Don’t miss this fact!
The web browser has very limited means of natively persisting information from one page to the next. If a web page needs the browser to “remember” certain things, it needs to manually store that information in browser storage.
The most common form of browser storage is the cookieCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time..
At its simplest, a cookieCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. comprises a name and a value. The cookieCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. is always stored on a specific domainDomain names are stored in the domain name system (DNS) and are used to map a human-readable name (such as www.teamsimmer.com) to a web server. (such as teamsimmer.com) and can only be accessed by users and web servers on that domainDomain names are stored in the domain name system (DNS) and are used to map a human-readable name (such as www.teamsimmer.com) to a web server..
There are other storage mechanisms, too, such as HTML5 Storage, IndexedDB, WebSQL, and server-side mechanisms, but cookiesCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. are by far the most utilized and, as a result, the most controversial.
Nevertheless, when the following Chapters discuss cookiesCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time., most of the commentary applies to all forms of browser storage.
The anatomy of a browser cookie
CookiesCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. can be read and written by JavaScriptJavaScript is the main language of the dynamic web. The web browser renders the HTML source file into a dynamic document that can be interacted with using JavaScript. running in the web browser using a specific JavaScriptJavaScript is the main language of the dynamic web. The web browser renders the HTML source file into a dynamic document that can be interacted with using JavaScript. APIStrictly speaking application programming interfaces are methods and protocols in a piece of software that allow other sources to communicate with this software. More broadly they are used to describe any functions and methods that operate how the software works. available to browser scripts.
Additionally, when the browser communicates with a web serverA machine connected to the World Wide Web, which is purpose-built to respond to HTTP requests from clients and for sending resources in response., the network requestHyperText Transfer Protocol is the main communication method of the World Wide Web. When clients send requests to web browsers, they are sent using HTTP. The purpose of the request is to fetch data from the web server. can include any cookiesCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. written on the domainDomain names are stored in the domain name system (DNS) and are used to map a human-readable name (such as www.teamsimmer.com) to a web server. the web serverA machine connected to the World Wide Web, which is purpose-built to respond to HTTP requests from clients and for sending resources in response. is responding on. Similarly, the web serverA machine connected to the World Wide Web, which is purpose-built to respond to HTTP requests from clients and for sending resources in response. can write cookiesCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. on its own domainDomain names are stored in the domain name system (DNS) and are used to map a human-readable name (such as www.teamsimmer.com) to a web server. in the response back to the browser.
When a cookieCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. is written (or set), it can be associated with a number of parameters, of which the most significant are:
- Name (required) – each cookieCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. needs a name with which it can be accessed. There can be more than one cookieCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. with the same name, if they are configured with some different parameters.
- Value (required) – each cookieCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. needs a value. The value is always stored as an alphanumeric string.
- Expiration (optional) – the cookieCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. can have a date and time when it will expire. When a cookieCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. expires, the browser automatically deletes it. If the cookieCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. isn’t set with an expiration, it’s considered a session cookieCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. which gets, or should get, deleted at the end of the current browsing session.
- DomainDomain names are stored in the domain name system (DNS) and are used to map a human-readable name (such as www.teamsimmer.com) to a web server. (optional) – the cookieCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. can be set on a specific domainDomain names are stored in the domain name system (DNS) and are used to map a human-readable name (such as www.teamsimmer.com) to a web server.. However, the cookieCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. can never be set on another site than the one the user is browsing (or the one the web serverA machine connected to the World Wide Web, which is purpose-built to respond to HTTP requests from clients and for sending resources in response. is responding from). For example, if the user is browsing blog.teamsimmer.com, the cookieCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. can be set on blog.teamsimmer.com or teamsimmer.com, but it can’t be set on www.ebay.com. If a domainDomain names are stored in the domain name system (DNS) and are used to map a human-readable name (such as www.teamsimmer.com) to a web server. isn’t explicitly given, the cookieCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. is written on the exact domainDomain names are stored in the domain name system (DNS) and are used to map a human-readable name (such as www.teamsimmer.com) to a web server. the user or the web serverA machine connected to the World Wide Web, which is purpose-built to respond to HTTP requests from clients and for sending resources in response. is on.
When cookiesCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. are read, the only available information is the cookieCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. name and its value.
What do cookies do?
CookiesCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. persist information from page to page when the user is navigating a website.
Example
Think of a website you have recently logged into. If you were to now visit the website again, you probably wouldn’t need to log in again, as the website “remembers” that you are already signed in. This is thanks to a browser cookieCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. that stores your login state, most likely using an authentication token of sorts.
Similarly, if you were to go to an ecommerceE-commerce represents the industry of online sales. E-commerce covers online transactions that happen on the web, among other things. website and add items to your cart, those items would most likely stay in the cart for a day or two as you revisit the site. This is thanks to browser storage.
More insidiously, sometimes you’ll start seeing digital ads reminding you that you left those items in your cart, even if you visit completely unrelated websites. That information, too, is stored in browser cookiesCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time..
If there wasn’t a way to persist information like this, every single new page load would require you to log in again and to add the items to your cart again. This would not be a pleasant way to use the web.
CookiesCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. are more than just a web browser utility. Because cookiesCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. are included in the network requests to a web serverA machine connected to the World Wide Web, which is purpose-built to respond to HTTP requests from clients and for sending resources in response., the server can make use of this information to respond with tailored content.
Don’t miss this fact!
CookiesCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. are a way to persist information from one page to the next in the web browser. They are also included in the network requests to web servers. Servers can parse information in these cookiesCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. when determining what type of response to send back to the browser.
Example
If the request to the web serverA machine connected to the World Wide Web, which is purpose-built to respond to HTTP requests from clients and for sending resources in response. includes a login cookieCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time., the web serverA machine connected to the World Wide Web, which is purpose-built to respond to HTTP requests from clients and for sending resources in response. can respond with content that is only available to logged-in users. If the request did not have the login cookieCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time., the web serverA machine connected to the World Wide Web, which is purpose-built to respond to HTTP requests from clients and for sending resources in response. can respond with an error page that says the user needs to log in to view the content.
Deep Dive
First-party and third-party cookies
When discussing cookiesCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time., the terms first-party and third-party are often thrown around.
While they have many connotations in different contexts, in the case of cookiesCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. they have very specific definitions.
A first-party cookieCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. is one that shares its domainDomain names are stored in the domain name system (DNS) and are used to map a human-readable name (such as www.teamsimmer.com) to a web server. name with the website the user is currently navigating on.
For example, if the user is browsing www.teamsimmer.com, then any browser cookieCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. set on any subdomainDomain names are stored in the domain name system (DNS) and are used to map a human-readable name (such as www.teamsimmer.com) to a web server. under teamsimmer.com is considered a first-party cookieCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time..
A third-party cookieCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. is one that’s set on a different site than the one the user is currently navigating on.
For example, while browsing www.teamsimmer.com, the web page sends a request to fetch a web font from fonts.google.com. Any cookiesCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. written on fonts.google.com would be considered third-party cookiesCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. in this exchange.
| User is navigating… | Sends a request to… | Party |
|---|---|---|
| www.teamsimmer.com | www.teamsimmer.com | First |
| www.teamsimmer.com | handbook.teamsimmer.com | First |
| www.teamsimmer.com | tracking.service.teamsimmer.com | First |
| www.teamsimmer.com | teamsimmer.googlecache.com | Third |
| www.teamsimmer.com | fonts.google.com | Third |
| www.teamsimmer.com | www.google-analytics.com | Third |
While first-party storage is rarely limited by browsers, third-party cookiesCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. are being gradually shut down by all major browsers.
Third-party cookiesCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. can be used for legitimate use cases such as centralized authentication and shared shopping carts. However, they also facilitate some very privacy-infringing activities.
Cross-site trackingTracking that collects data from users as they visit different, unrelated sites on the web. Usually requires third-party cookies to work. is one such activity, and it covers a variety of controversial Topics such as remarketingWhen users see ads about sites they have previously visited or products they have previously engaged with, they are being retargeted by these ad campaigns., audience building, and user profiling across websites.
In the image above, you can see an example of cross-site trackingTracking that collects data from users as they visit different, unrelated sites on the web. Usually requires third-party cookies to work.. The user navigates three completely unrelated domainsDomain names are stored in the domain name system (DNS) and are used to map a human-readable name (such as www.teamsimmer.com) to a web server. (shopping.site, news.portal, and social.media). Each of these sites sends a request to tracking.vendor, which then associates the user’s visit to these different sites with their userId cookieCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. stored on the tracking domainDomain names are stored in the domain name system (DNS) and are used to map a human-readable name (such as www.teamsimmer.com) to a web server..
After this, the vendor that owns tracking.vendor can see that the user with the ID abcd-1234 has visited these three sites. They can then use this information to add the user to an audience that includes people who show an interest in shopping, news, and social media.
Ready for a quick break?
Now’s a good time to take a small break – walk around for 5 minutes and have a glass of water. 😊
Cookies and privacy
On some browsers, cookiesCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. can be extremely long-lived.
Example
The Google Analytics clientA machine connected to the internet that sends requests to a server. A web browser would be a typical example of a client, as it sends requests to web servers. identifier cookieCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. has an expiration of two years. This means that unless the browser itself restricts the lifetime of this cookieCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. somehow, the browser will remember the user as long as they visit the site more than once every two years.
When you combine this with third-party cookiesCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time., you essentially have a way for some of the more popular websites of the world (think Google, Facebook) to remember the user’s browsing history for a long, long time.
For this reason, many browsers are committed to removing browser storage features that allow for limitless expiration and/or third-party storage access.
Some browsers go as far as to limit the expiration of even first-party cookiesCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. to a point where users might find that their activities are “forgotten” much faster than they’d expect.
Example
On the Safari browser, under certain circumstances first-party cookiesCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. can be used to persist information for only 24 hours. That means that the user needs to log in again if they visit the site after more than 24 hours have passed since the last visit.
Storage use is also limited by regulation. In the European Union, the ePrivacy DirectiveA directive in the European Union that deals with the confidentiality of information and treatment of traffic data, spam, and access to device storage (such as through browser cookies). (also known as “The CookieCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. Law”) requires that websites ask for affirmative consentData protection laws often defer to positive consent for collecting or processing data from the user. Requesting consent usually involves a consent banner or a consent pop-up where the user is asked whether the site or app can collect data from them. for any browser storage access that isn’t deemed strictly necessary for the functioning of the website.
Laws like the ePrivacy DirectiveA directive in the European Union that deals with the confidentiality of information and treatment of traffic data, spam, and access to device storage (such as through browser cookies). have resulted in the emergence of consentData protection laws often defer to positive consent for collecting or processing data from the user. Requesting consent usually involves a consent banner or a consent pop-up where the user is asked whether the site or app can collect data from them. banners and dialogs which require the user to opt in to browser storage use before they can properly interact with the website.
The web needs persistence
Regardless of how browsers limit or regulations control storage access, the fact remains that the web is essentially stateless.
It would be awkward to build a dynamic website that has no semblance of state.
If you think users could just log in and state could then be stored server-side, remember that login is also a stateful thing. If there is no storage mechanism, then the user needs to log in again with every single page load.
Don’t miss this fact!
If the web serverA machine connected to the World Wide Web, which is purpose-built to respond to HTTP requests from clients and for sending resources in response. manages the browser user’s state (such as whether the user is logged in or not), you still need a browser cookieCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. or other browser storage mechanism to link the browser user with the logged-in user on the server. Otherwise, the server would not know which incoming network requestHyperText Transfer Protocol is the main communication method of the World Wide Web. When clients send requests to web browsers, they are sent using HTTP. The purpose of the request is to fetch data from the web server. from the web browser is linked to which user.
The controversy around browser storage emerged when these stateful mechanisms were reappropriated to also persist information that the website didn’t actually need to work properly.
It’s difficult to argue that the cookiesCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. set by Google Analytics are somehow as important to a website as a login cookieCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. or a shopping cart cookieCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time., and that’s why regulations strive to establish parameters for handling these different use cases.
Biggest problems emerge when the browser (or regulations) restrict storage access that serves multiple purposes. For example, a login token could also be used as an analytics identifier. It’s thus simultaneously necessary for the site to function but also non-necessary due to its dual use as an analytics identifier.
There’s still a lot of work to be done to resolve these issues. As advertising vendors, browser engineers, regulators, and data collection companies fight it out, it is unfortunately the browser user that ends up paying the price.
Summary of this Chapter
Well done!
You’ve reached the end of The Web Browser Chapter.
By now, you should have a decent understanding of how the browser works, how the all-important request–response–render process happens, and why cookiesCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. and other browser storage mechanisms are so important and so controversial.
Hopefully you can also see why web browsers are so fundamental for technical marketers, too.
The web is the main technology in digital marketing, even if native mobile apps are increasingly important. Your efficiency in digital analytics, search engine optimizationSEO focuses on improving a website's visibility and reach for users who perform relevant queries in a search engine., paid media, online privacy, and experimentation directly correlates with how well you understand these underlying mechanisms.
All the subsequent Chapters of this Handbook will refer to the information shared in the three Topics that you just read. The better you understand the terminology and concepts around web browsers, the easier will your life as a technical marketer be.
Key takeaway #1: Cookies are written on a domain
CookiesCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. are always written on a specific domainDomain names are stored in the domain name system (DNS) and are used to map a human-readable name (such as www.teamsimmer.com) to a web server.. If you navigate to a web page, then that web page can only access cookiesCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. written on its domainDomain names are stored in the domain name system (DNS) and are used to map a human-readable name (such as www.teamsimmer.com) to a web server. (with or without subdomainDomain names are stored in the domain name system (DNS) and are used to map a human-readable name (such as www.teamsimmer.com) to a web server. prefixes). Similarly, if the page dispatches a request to a web serverA machine connected to the World Wide Web, which is purpose-built to respond to HTTP requests from clients and for sending resources in response., then that server can only access cookiesCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. written on the domainDomain names are stored in the domain name system (DNS) and are used to map a human-readable name (such as www.teamsimmer.com) to a web server. the request was sent to.
Key takeaway #2: Third-party vs. first-party
First-party context means that a cookieCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. is accessed on the site the user is currently navigating. For example, you are now browsing the domainDomain names are stored in the domain name system (DNS) and are used to map a human-readable name (such as www.teamsimmer.com) to a web server. handbook.teamsimmer.com. Any cookiesCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. written on the site teamsimmer.com can be accessed in first-party context. Third-party context means that a cookieCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. is accessed on a site that you are not navigating. For example, if this page loaded a frame with content from google.com, that frame could access cookiesCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. on google.com but not those on teamsimmer.com.
Key takeaway #3: The web is stateless
CookiesCookies are a way to persist information on the web from one page to the next and from one browsing session to the next. They are small bits of information always stored on a specific domain, and they can be set to expire (self-delete) after a given amount of time. and other browser storage serve a very important purpose on the web. Without some type of storage, nothing would persist from one page to the next as you navigate the web. Without browser storage, your shopping carts would be empty all the time, you would be logged out constantly, and much of the browsing experience on the web would be broken.