myHotTake

Tag: squirrel analogy

  • Session vs. Persistent Cookies: Which Nut Stash Wins?

    Hey there, if you enjoy this story and find it helpful, feel free to like or share it with others who might enjoy a tale about squirrels and cookies!


    Once upon a time, in a forest, I was a squirrel named Sammy. I had a knack for gathering nuts, just like every other squirrel. But there was something unique about the way I did things. You see, I had two special types of nut stashes: my session stashes and my persistent stashes.

    Every day, I scampered around the forest, gathering nuts. My session stashes were like little pockets I filled during the day. These nuts were meant to keep me energized and ready for anything until I returned to my cozy nest in the evening. But here’s the catch: once I went to sleep, those session stashes disappeared! It was as if they never existed, and I had to start fresh the next day. It was perfect for short-term needs, like when I was exploring new parts of the forest and didn’t want to carry too much.

    On the other hand, my persistent stashes were my long-term treasures. I sought out the best hiding spots—under the big oak tree or inside the hollow log near the stream. These nuts were my saviors during the long, chilly winter months. No matter how many times I left my nest or how many days passed, I knew they would be there, waiting for me when I needed them. They were my long-term memory, ensuring I never went hungry when the snow covered the ground.

    So, in the world of cookies, session cookies are like my daily nut stashes—temporary and fleeting. They’re there to help me navigate my day but vanish when the day ends. Persistent cookies, however, are akin to my winter nut reserves—reliable and long-lasting, there to support me through any challenge the seasons might bring.

    And that’s how I, Sammy the squirrel, understood the world of cookies through my simple life of gathering and storing nuts. If you liked this little tale, consider sharing it with others who might appreciate a good squirrel analogy!


    Session Cookies

    I, Sammy, am coding to create a session cookie. This cookie is like my daily nut stash—it’s there for a single session, and once I leave, it’s gone. In JavaScript, I can create it like this:

    document.cookie = "nutType=acorn; path=/";

    Here, "nutType=acorn" is stored temporarily. It keeps track of my favorite nut for the day, but when I close my browser (or in squirrel terms, go to sleep), it disappears.

    Persistent Cookies

    Now, let’s create a persistent cookie, much like my reliable winter stash. This cookie sticks around for a long time, just like my nuts hidden for the colder months. Here’s how I do it:

    const expiryDate = new Date();
    expiryDate.setFullYear(expiryDate.getFullYear() + 1); // Keep it for a year
    document.cookie = `nutType=hickory; expires=${expiryDate.toUTCString()}; path=/`;

    With this code, I’ve set "nutType=hickory" to last an entire year. It means that when winter comes, this information is still available, just like my well-preserved nut stash.

    Key Takeaways

    1. Session Cookies: These are temporary and disappear once the session ends. They are great for short-term needs, similar to my daily nut stashes.
    2. Persistent Cookies: These last for a specified period, even after the session ends, akin to my long-term nut reserves.