Explanation of Session Versus Persistent Cookies

Explain how sessions cookies e.g. are used for website login versus persistent cookies which reside for a much longer time on computer systems.

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Session Cookies

Many websites need to know when a user is logged in.

For this session cookies is ideal since they are only placed on the computer for the duration the website that placed the cookie is used by the user.

This is vital for websites offering exclusive website parts/functions, e.g. posting-rights on forums/message-boards.

Persistent Cookies

Some websites need to remember information about users for a longer time.

For this persistent cookies are often used. Persistent cookies can sometimes be placed for a long time on the computer who visited the website that placed the cookie.

This may e.g. allow the website to automatically perform website login for you whenever you visit the website.

This help page is maintained by Thomas Schulz

As one of the lead developers, his hands have touched most of the code in the software from Microsys.

If you email any questions, chances are that he will be the one answering them.

About Microsys

Microsys develops desktop software, mobile apps and websites.This page is part of the shared help documentation across many of our tools.