Session

A session is a temporary interaction between a client and a server. It enables state management, often using session cookies or tokens to track user activity.

Also known as: User session, server session.

Comparisons

• Cookie vs. Session: Cookies are stored on the client-side, while session data is often stored on the server.

• Stateless vs. Stateful: HTTP is stateless; sessions introduce state for continuous interactions.

Pros

• Simplifies user experiences: Maintains state across multiple requests.

• Enhances security: Sensitive data is stored on the server rather than the client.

Cons

• Expiration: Sessions typically expire after a defined period of inactivity.

• Server load: Active sessions consume server resources.

Example

A session keeps a user logged in while navigating a web application.