How to Send Requests with Cookies

To include cookies in an HTTP request, you must add the Cookie: name=value header to the request. If you need to send multiple cookies, you can separate them with semicolons or use multiple Cookie: name=value headers. Below is an example where cookies are sent to the blogshub echo URL. Execute this example online by clicking “Send” to view the results.

Understanding HTTP

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is a protocol designed for transferring data between clients (such as web browsers or mobile apps) and servers. Operating on a request-response model, an HTTP client sends a request to the server, which processes the request and sends back the appropriate response.

What are HTTP Cookies?

HTTP cookies are small pieces of data sent by a website and stored on a user’s browser. These cookies, typically marked with a unique identifier, are saved on the device used to access the website (e.g., a computer or mobile phone). Cookies play a vital role in managing user sessions, tracking activity, and personalizing user experiences by saving settings and preferences. Each time a browser makes a new request to the server, it usually sends these stored cookies along, enabling the server to recognize whether the request originates from the same browser.

Syntax of HTTP Cookies

The general structure of the Cookie header in an HTTP request is as follows:

Cookie: name=value; name2=value2  

Why Are Cookies Important?

Websites leverage cookies to enhance user experiences in the following ways:

1. Session Management
   Cookies allow websites to recognize returning users, remember login details, and retain user-specific settings.
2. Tracking
   On e-commerce platforms, cookies help track items a user has browsed or added to their cart.
3. Personalization
   Cookies enable personalized content, such as displaying ads tailored to a user’s preferences and browsing behavior.

Note: Cookies are stored locally on your device. If you clear your cookies or browse in incognito mode, the website won’t recognize you and will treat you as a new visitor.

Viewing Saved Cookies in Your Browser

To check the cookies stored in your browser:

1. Press F12 to open the developer tools.
2. Go to the Application tab.
3. Under Storage, expand the Cookies section.
4. Select the website you’re interested in to see its saved cookies.

Sending a Cookie Request Example

Here’s how to send cookies to a server:

GET / HTTP/1.1  
Host: example.com  
Cookie: sessionId=abc123; theme=dark  

This approach ensures smooth communication between the client and the server while maintaining user-specific context.

Keep Learning 🙂