What is the purpose of cookies stored by websites on users' computers?

Cookies are small pieces of data that websites store on a user's computer to enhance the browsing experience. The primary purpose of cookies is to remember user preferences, such as language settings, display options, and items in a shopping cart. This capability allows websites to provide a more personalized experience upon future visits, as the site can recall previous interactions and adjust accordingly.

For example, if a user selects a preferred language on a website, the cookie can store that preference, ensuring that the site displays in the user’s chosen language on subsequent visits. By remembering such details, cookies help create a smoother and more efficient user experience, reducing the need for users to re-enter information each time they visit a site.