What are the differences between web storage and cookies?

What are the differences between web storage and cookies?

Web storage and cookies are both used to store data in the browser, but they have key differences. Cookies are small pieces of data sent to the server and have a size limit of about 4KB. They are mainly used for session management and tracking. Web storage, on the other hand, includes local storage and session storage, allowing for larger amounts of data (up to 5MB or more) to be stored on the client side without being sent to the server.

When should I use web storage instead of cookies?

You should use web storage when you need to store larger amounts of data or when you want to keep data on the client side without sending it to the server. For example, if you're building a web application that requires user preferences or offline capabilities, web storage is a better choice.

Are there any security concerns with using web storage?

Yes, there are security concerns with web storage. Data stored in local storage is accessible via JavaScript, which means if your site is vulnerable to XSS attacks, an attacker could access that data. Always validate and sanitize user inputs to mitigate these risks.

Can I use both web storage and cookies together?

Absolutely! You can use both web storage and cookies in your application. Use cookies for session management and tracking, while utilizing web storage for larger data sets or user preferences.