What Is The Difference Between Cache & Cookies?
Read this article to understand the difference between Cache and Cookies that are present in the browser. Know what is their role in the smooth functioning of a browser, what are their impact on security and performance and how to clear them when required.
We were all made painfully aware of just how frequent cookies are in our internet surfing activities after GDPR. But, exactly, what are they? And what distinguishes them from the cache, the other thing we're always told to delete to fix internet problems? With assistance from leading VPN Surfshark (we highly recommend getting Surfshark if you haven't already), here's a detailed look into the differences between cache and cookies.TLDR; Cache vs. Cookies
What is a cache?
The cache – which is almost the same as local storage – speeds up websites by keeping more demanding page assets on your device. The cache holds static and unchanging information, so you don't have to download it every time you come back to the site. The following are examples of things that cache keeps:
The web's biggest advantage is that it allows you to do previously impossible things. This is a non-obvious benefit of the web. Everything you see on websites is downloaded and stored on your device in some form or another - otherwise, you wouldn't be able to see it. Unlike right-clicking to save a picture of your cat or an NFT, this is done without your explicit approval - downloading each part of the website would be time consuming and ineffective.
The same with bandwidth usage – It's pointless to download the same image 100 times if you just go through 100 website pages.
The cache may be manually erased. The data stored there are not required for the website to function. They can be redownloaded once they have been removed. Clearing the browser cache is one way to free up space on devices with limited storage (old PCs, some smartphones, etc.).
Note: Outside of the web cache, however, there are several types of caching that don't factor into this essay.What is a cookie?
A cookie is a tiny file that a website saves information about you on your device by using. It's one of the methods by which a website keeps track of user preferences. It may retain data such as form-filling data, previous site visits, what buttons you pressed, and what you have in your shopping basket (though the latter is increasingly stored on the server-side these days).
Cookies are divided into two categories: transient and permanent. Transient cookies exist for a short time only, after which they vanish. Persistent cookies, on the other hand, store data from one browsing session to the next.
Cookies are used to store information about your computer and browser, and websites may use them to identify you. Every time you visit the website, cookies are sent along with the data that you submit. By linking the ID with each request, a website may customise responses to you, the user. That's one of the ways store sites know to show you exactly what's in your cart, no matter where you are on the site.
Cookies-by-function includes authorization cookies and tracking cookies, which are two different kinds of cookies.
Cookies are necessary for the site to function. However, like all the post-GDPR cookie warnings and settings*, a lot of them are useless data that adds to your digital footprint while benefiting only the website.
When you visit a website, typically the server saves some information to you. This data is known as a "session," and it can't be deleted since it isn't saved on your device.What are the differences between cache and cookies?
Here's a table summarising everything we've said above:
Cache
CookieShould I delete cache or cookies?
Whether you should clear cache or cookies is a personal choice.Is it necessary to delete the cache and cookies?
You always give up convenience by clearing cache and/or cookies: the website will take longer to load next time you visit, you'll have to log in to your accounts again, any site settings will be lost, and you'll have to re-enter information into form fields.
However, nothing very essential relies on cache or cookies.Are Cookies the same thing as browsing history?
No, browsing history is not a record of the websites and pages you've visited. Information about what you do on particular websites is saved by cookies.Take a look at your own history
Cookies and cache are only two of the many technologies that make the internet function. In isolation, they're neither wonderful nor awful; they're simply present. However, how businesses approach the internet world, as well as the methods they use to profit from it, makes them vulnerable to being utilised for evil ends.
After reading this article, you should be in a better position to deal with it all. So, would you like to switch to utilising a search engine that doesn't utilise cookies to deliver personalised advertisements? That's just one of the many advantages of using Surf Shark Search!