The term “session” doesn’t immediately ring a bell for most people. “Session,” or “Sitzung” in German, is something we’re familiar with from politics, business, and synonyms like exchange, meeting, or gathering.
What is a Session in the context of the World Wide Web?
In this case, a session can be viewed as a kind of technical gathering and a form of exchange.
Sessions and the Importance of Cookies
When a user opens any browser or visits a website, a session is created between the user and the server. In most cases, the user allows this by accepting “session cookies,” which typically appear as the first pop-up. If the cookies are accepted, the server is permitted to store temporary data.
Temporary Data and Its Function
Relevant data in this context includes the time spent on the website, filling out a form, or the user’s click history. The stored data generates a unique session ID that identifies the user. This allows the display of recently viewed products, completed orders, or personalized ads. If the internet connection is interrupted, for example by closing a website, the session ends, and the stored data is deleted. When the website is revisited, a new session is started, and a new session ID is created, which has no connection to the previous visit.
Session (Sitzung) Summarized
A session is, therefore, a “digital meeting” on the internet. It serves as a communication tool between website visitors and the servers they visit. Through sessions, content can be personalized, and relevant information can be organized in a user-friendly way.