PHP Sessions & Cookies

What are Sessions?

Sessions store data on the server for a specific user.

They are used to keep track of users across pages.

Starting a Session

Setting Session Variables

Accessing Session Variables

Destroying a Session

What are Cookies?

Cookies store data in the user's browser.

They can persist after the browser is closed.

Setting a Cookie

Accessing Cookies

Deleting a Cookie

Sessions vs Cookies

• Sessions → stored on server, more secure
• Cookies → stored in browser, less secure
• Sessions → temporary
• Cookies → can persist longer

Full Session Example

Full Cookie Example

Why Sessions & Cookies are Important

• Login systems
• User preferences
• Tracking users

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting session_start()
• Accessing cookies before setting them
• Storing sensitive data in cookies

Practice

Create a session that stores a username and display it on another page.

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