In what way do persistent cookies differ from non-persistent cookies?

Persistent cookies are designed to remain on a user's device for an extended period, often until a specified expiration date is reached, while non-persistent cookies, also known as session cookies, are temporary and are deleted once the web browser is closed. This means that persistent cookies can be used for a variety of functions, including remembering user preferences, login details, and items in shopping carts, across multiple sessions. In contrast, non-persistent cookies are primarily used for tracking user activity during a single browsing session.

The nature of temporary storage allows non-persistent cookies to fulfill the immediate needs of a web session without retaining any information once the browser is closed, making them less suitable for long-term user tracking or personalization. Thus, the distinction of storage duration is the fundamental difference between persistent and non-persistent cookies, confirming that concerning functionality and user experience, the correct characterization of their differences lies in how long they store data.