Difference Between Session and Cookies

The main difference between session and cookies is that a session is stored on the server side while the cookies are stored in the client browser.

Session and cookies are two terms that are associated with websites and web development.  A session creates a file in a temporary directory on the server. This file stores the session variables and their values. During the visit, the data is available to all pages in the website. On the other hand, cookies are text files that are stored in the client browser. When the client sends a request to the server, the cookie is embedded within the request.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Session
     – Definition, Functionality
2. What are Cookies
     – Definition, Functionality
3. Difference Between Session and Cookies
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Cookies, Session, Websites

What is a Session

A website consists of multiple webpages. For example, when the user enters his details in a form, that information will pass from one page to another. A session can be used in these situations. It stores and passes information from one page to another temporarily. A session is maintained until the user closes the website.

For example, a shopping website might need to store and pass information such as username, product id, product name, product price, etc. from one page to another. A session can be used in these situations. Usually, a session creates a unique id for each browser to recognize the user. This avoids the conflict among multiple browsers.

What are Cookies

Cookies are text files that are stored in the client browser. They are used for tracking purposes and to identify the user. Firstly, the server script sends a set of cookies to the browser. This information can be name, identification number, etc.  Then, the browser stores this information on the local machine.

Later, when the browser sends any request to web server, it sends the cookies information to the server. The server uses that information to recognize the user. Therefore, cookies can be used for future reference. They keep information until deleted by the user or set as per the timer. Closing the browser will not delete the cookie.

Difference Between Session and Cookies

Definition

Session is a temporary and interactive information interchange between two or more communicating devices or between a computer and user. Cookies are small pieces of data sent from a website and stored on the user’s computer by the user’s web browser while the user is browsing.

Method of Storing

A session is stored in the server side while cookies are stored in the client’s browser as text files. This is the main difference between session and cookies.

Amount of Data

When considering the capacity of these two, a session can store a large amount of data while cookies can store a minimum amount of data.

Security

A session provides more security because it is difficult to access session values. Cookies provide minimum security because it is easier to access cookie values.

Deleting

The user should close the browser to close the session since the session is available until the browser is opened. In contrary, cookies keep information until deleted by the user or set as per the timer.

Holding Multiple Variables

While a session holds multiple variables, cookies do not.

Reliability

A session is more reliable than cookies as the session data is stored in the server.

Conclusion

The difference between session and cookies is that a session is stored on the server side while the cookies are stored in the client browser. Furthermore, a session is more reliable and secure than cookies.

Reference:

1. “PHP Session – Javatpoint.” Www.javatpoint.com, Available here.
2. “PHP Cookies.” Www.tutorialspoint.com, Tutorials Point, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Digital Website Search Analysis Scan” (CC0) via Max Pixel