Cache and cookies are terms that are used in computing. Cache and cookies are employed to boost the system’s browser performance. And also to create additional accessible software by storing data on the client-side machine.
Caches store data to help the user boost the loading time. Cookies are used to store information about what you browsed.
Key Takeaways
- Cache stores temporary files, such as images and web pages, to reduce load times and data usage.
- Cookies store user-specific information, such as login details and site preferences.
- Clearing cache frees storage space, while clearing cookies can reset user preferences and login details.
Cache vs Cookies
Caches are for storing data to decrease the loading time, while cookies are used to store user choices, such as browsing history, to track the user’s preferences. Cache stores data like HTML pages, flash files, etc., while Cookies stores browsing history data.
A cache stores the website contents for the long run to load web pages faster when the user wants to access the data he has already accessed before. It stores resource files such as audio and videos.
The cache stores the data in the browser. Browser cache and proxy cache are two main types of cache. A browser cache is controlled totally by the user. And a proxy cache stores copies of frequently accessed data.
Cookies store the user’s browsing history. And then, it shows you the things or products you browsed before as ads.
It also stores the basic information of the user, like name, email address, house address, phone number, payment card number, etc., so that the next time the user needs to add information, it will automatically fill in.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Cache | Cookies |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A cache is a component that stores data to decrease the loading time of a page. | Cookies are used to store user choices such as browsing history |
| What does it store? | HTML pages, audios, videos, CSS, etc. | Browsing history and tracking data like name, email Id, phone number, etc. |
| Expiry | It expires manually. | It expires automatically. |
| Contents storage | The contents are stored in the browser. | The contents are stored in the browser and server. |
| Types | Browser Cache and Proxy Cache. | Transient and Persistent Cookies. |
What is Cache?
A cache in computing is a hardware or software component to store data. The data is stored so that future requests for that particular data can be served faster.
When data can be found in the cache, the cache hits, i.e. when the data is already found, it is known as hit cache, while if the data one is searching is not found in the cache, that is known as the miss of cache.
The cache hits when the data is recounted in the cache data other than from the main server stored data. And this is why the system performs faster, as the data doesn’t have to be found from other slower data stores.
The data that is requested now is already requested before, and the cache has stored it, so the cache will make it faster to find the data now.
The caches are mostly relatively small as they can be cost-effective this way, and they will also enable efficient use of data. A cache is made up of a number of entries.
Each entry has associated data that is the same data in the backing store. Whenever a user access data, it first uses the cache.
What is Cookies?
Cookies are also called web cookies, HTTP cookies, Internet cookies, or browser cookies. Cookies are small blocks of data.
They are created by a web server to store users’ preferences while a user is browsing a website. Cookies are used to access websites.
One or more than one cookies can be placed on a device during browsing. Cookie contents are stored in the server and the browser.
Cookies store not only the browsing history but also the tracking data, name, Email Id, phone number, Home address, pin code, etc., which are previously entered. And if the user allows it can save passwords as well.
The cookies are used by web servers mostly for authentication. It seems when the user is logged in and with which account. Without the cookies, the users have to log in on each page that they want to access and have a piece of sensitive information.
There are two types of cookies: Transient cookies and persistent cookies. The transient cookie is also called a session cookie because it will not retain any data, it will erase it once you close the browser.
Persistent cookies provide rapid access to familiar, accessible data to enhance the user’s experience.
Main Differences Between Cache And Cookies
- The cache is installed to store the data of the website for the long run. In contrast, the cookie is there to store user choices only.
- Cache’s website contents are stored in the browser, while a cookie’s website contents are stored in a browser as well as in the server.
- The cache expires manually, i,e the user has to delete the cache while the cookies expire automatically.
- Cache stores the contents like HTML pages, images, flash files, Javascript, etc. On the other hand, the cookie stores the contents like browsing sessions and temporary tracking data.
- Cache consumes large spaces in terms of capacity, while cookies consume less space.
- The cache does not send the response with requests, while the cookies do.
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/1624020/
- https://www.cs.ru.nl/bachelorscripties/2014/Patrick_Verleg___3049701___Cache_Cookies_searching_for_hidden_browser_storage.pdf
Last Updated : 12 August, 2023
I’ve put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to you. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media or with your friends/family. SHARING IS ♥️
Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
The detailed explanation of cache and cookies, along with their types and functions, makes this article a valuable resource for understanding these components in computing.
The in-depth explanation of cache and cookies, as well as their roles in computing, exhibits the comprehensive knowledge and clarity of content delivery in the article.
The article’s breakdown of the different types of cookies, such as transient and persistent cookies, helps readers differentiate between their expiry and functionality, making it an informative read.
The comparison table provided in the article offers a concise overview of the differences between cache and cookies, which is helpful for readers to grasp the distinct roles of each.
The in-depth description of cache hits and misses, as well as how it contributes to faster data retrieval, is enlightening and enhances the reader’s knowledge about cache in computing.
The article provides a detailed and clear explanation of the differences between cache and cookies and their functions in computing. It’s very informative and easy to understand.
The article effectively communicates the purpose and importance of cookies in web browsing, shedding light on how they contribute to user authentication and personalization.
The insightful explanation of cookies and their role in storing user preferences and tracking data provides a thorough understanding of how cookies function during web browsing.
The article succinctly presents the functionalities and differences of cache and cookies, delivering valuable insights into these components used in computing.
The article does a great job of explaining how caches and cookies work, making it easier for users to comprehend the purpose of each in computing. Well done!