Cache vs. Cookies: What’s the difference?
After the introduction of GDPR, we all became acutely aware of how pervasive cookies are in our internet browsing sessions. But what exactly do they do? And how are they different from the cache, that other thing we’re always told to clear when we run into internet issues? Let’s break it down.
What is cache?
Cache is like a digital shortcut for your browser. It makes websites load faster by storing heavy webpage resources on your device. Think of it as a temporary storage space where your browser saves things like images, videos, and bits of code (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) that don’t change much. So, instead of downloading the same data every time you visit a website, your browser just pulls it from the cache.
Imagine you’re visiting a website. The browser downloads the site’s logo once and stores it in the cache. Every time you navigate to a different page on that site, the logo loads from the cache instead of being downloaded again. This saves time and bandwidth, making your browsing experience smoother and faster.
But, the cache isn’t perfect. Sometimes, the stuff stored in your cache can get corrupted, especially if there is an issue during the download. This can cause parts of a website to appear broken or outdated. Clearing your cache forces your browser to re-download the elements from the website, which usually fixes these problems. Plus, if your device is running low on storage, clearing the cache can free up some space.
What are cookies?
Cookies are small files that websites use to remember things about you. They’re like little notes that a website stores on your device to keep track of your preferences, login information, and other bits of data. For example, if you put items in your online shopping cart, cookies help the website remember those items even if you leave the site and come back later.
There are two main types of cookies: transient and persistent. Transient cookies are temporary and disappear when you close your browser. Persistent cookies, on the other hand, stick around even after you close your browser, so the website can remember you the next time you visit.
Cookies are pretty handy for making your browsing experience more convenient. They save you the hassle of logging in every time you visit a site or re-entering your preferences. But not all cookies are friendly. Some, like tracking cookies, monitor your browsing habits and are used to show you targeted ads. So while cookies can be useful, they can also increase your digital footprint in ways that benefit the website more than they do you.
Interesting read: How long does your personal data stay online?
What’s the difference between cache and cookies?
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s compare the two:
Cache stores website data like images and code on your device to speed up future visits. It’s all about making things load faster.
Cookies store information about your interactions with the website, like login details and preferences. They’re about personalisation and convenience.
Cache files tend to take up more space on your device and need to be cleared manually, while cookies are smaller and can expire on their own. Cache data stays on your device and isn’t sent back to the website, whereas cookies are transmitted with every request you make on a site.
Read on: Anonymous browsing practices: How to safeguard your online privacy.
Should you clear cache or cookies?
It depends on what you’re trying to achieve. If you’re dealing with a website that isn’t loading correctly, clearing the cache can help. If you’re concerned about privacy, especially on a shared device, clearing cookies is the way to go. Just maintain a healthy online presence, use a VPN service and you are good to go.
So, there you have it—cache and cookies, two key players in your browsing experience. They’re neither good nor bad on their own; it’s all about how they’re used. Now that you know the difference, you can manage them to suit your needs and keep your internet experience running smoothly.