Cookies are small text files that websites place on your device when you browse. They store bits of information about your visit—like your language preference or login status. Most sites use them because they make your experience smoother and more personalized.
Beyond traditional cookies, we also use pixels, web beacons, and local storage technologies. These work similarly but serve slightly different purposes, such as tracking email opens or storing larger amounts of data locally on your device.
Think of cookies as helpful notes the website leaves for itself. When you return, the site reads those notes to remember who you are and what you were doing last time. Without them, you'd need to re-enter information on every single visit.