What are cookies primarily used for on a website?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on a user's device by a web browser when they visit a website. Their primary function is to track user interactions and maintain session state. By storing information such as session identifiers, preferences, and user activity, cookies enable websites to remember users as they navigate from page to page or return to the site at a later time.

Tracking a user's browser activities and session connections allows for a more personalized experience, such as remembering login information, preferences, and the contents of shopping carts. This functionality is essential for providing a seamless user experience and for implementing analytics that help website owners understand user behavior, improve services, and offer targeted advertising.

While storing user passwords securely and encrypting data are critical cybersecurity practices, they are not the primary use of cookies. Similarly, cookies do not enhance graphic design; their main purpose revolves around managing user interaction and maintaining state during browsing sessions.