[ Mega Script Archive ] [ Frequently Asked Questions ] [ HTTP Cookie Library ]

  1. What are Cookies?
  2. Where can I get more information about Cookies?
  3. What Browsers Support Cookies?

What are Cookies?

  • Short Answer:

    A Cookie (Short for Persistent Client State HTTP Cookie) is sent through the headers of server-client interactions. They contain whatever information is set by the server. From then on, this information is transferred by the client to the server whenever it accesses a directory in the path and domain it was set from until it expires.

    Long Answer:

    From Netscape's Persistent Client State HTTP Cookies:

    "Cookies are a general mechanism which server side connections (such as CGI scripts) can use to both store and retrieve information on the client side of the connection. The addition of a simple, persistent, client-side state significantly extends the capabilities of Web-based client/server applications."

    One thing that cookies cannot do is read from your hard drive, get your e-mail address or anything else that a normal CGI cannot do. Cookies can only contain as much information about you as you disclose on the site which sets the cookie.



What Browsers Support Cookies?

  • Short Answer:

    Almost all newer browsers support cookies. The following is a list of a few of them: Netscape .94 Beta and Up, Microsoft Internet Explorer, GNNworks v1.2.0, NETCOMplete, NetManage Chameleon WebSurfer 5.0, OmniWeb 2.0.1 OWF 1.0, and Spyglass Mosaic 2.11 Win32 Spyglass 2.

    Long Answer:

    Well, this answer is shorter, but the site contains a lot of information. Digital is conducting tests, and the results can be seen at: Form Test Results for NetscapeCookie. Very comprehensive.


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