What is persistent and nonpersistent cookie?
Persistent and non-persistent cookies, also known as session cookies, refer to different types of cookies based on their lifespan or duration of persistence.
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Persistent Cookies:
Persistent cookies are cookies that are stored on the client's machine for an extended period, even after the browser session ends. They have an expiration date set in the future, which allows them to persist across multiple browsing sessions. Persistent cookies are typically used for long-term storage of user preferences, authentication tokens, or tracking information.
Example:
HttpCookie persistentCookie = new HttpCookie("PersistentCookie");
persistentCookie.Value = "Persistent Cookie Value";
persistentCookie.Expires = DateTime.Now.AddDays(30); // Expires in 30 days
Response.Cookies.Add(persistentCookie);
In this example, a persistent cookie named "PersistentCookie" is created, and its expiration date is set to 30 days in the future using 'Expires = DateTime.Now.AddDays(30)'. The cookie will remain on the client's machine until the expiration date is reached, even if the user closes the browser.
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Non-Persistent (Session) Cookies:
Non-persistent cookies, also known as session cookies, have a shorter lifespan and are tied to a specific browsing session. They are stored in the client's browser memory and are deleted as soon as the browser session ends or the user closes the browser. Session cookies are primarily used for maintaining session state and tracking user activity within a single browsing session.
Example:
HttpCookie sessionCookie = new HttpCookie("SessionCookie");
sessionCookie.Value = "Session Cookie Value";
// No expiration date is set, so it's a session cookie
Response.Cookies.Add(sessionCookie);
In this example, a session cookie named "SessionCookie" is created without setting an expiration date. The cookie is considered a session cookie, and it will be deleted automatically when the user closes the browser or the session ends.
The distinction between persistent and non-persistent cookies lies in their expiration behavior. Persistent cookies have an explicit expiration date set in the future, allowing them to persist beyond the current session. Non-persistent cookies, on the other hand, are session-specific and are deleted once the session ends.
It's important to consider the security and privacy implications when working with both types of cookies, particularly with persistent cookies, as they have the potential to store sensitive information over an extended period.