Dictionary term
HTTP Cookie
Also called cookie · browser cookie
Web/DevBeginner
A small piece of data a server asks the browser to store (via the Set-Cookie header) and send back on later requests, commonly used for sessions, preferences and tracking.
In plain English
A small note a website leaves in your browser so it remembers you, for example that you're logged in.
Analogy
Like a coat-check ticket: the server hands it over, and you show it again to get recognised.
Why it matters
Logins usually live in cookies, so attributes like HttpOnly, Secure and SameSite decide whether a session can be stolen or misused.
In practice
After a passcode check, a Next.js Route Handler sets an HttpOnly session cookie, and server code reads it later with await cookies().
Related terms
Sources
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