Cookie is typically stored on the user's device, with the specific location depending on the browser used.
In web applications, when a user visits a website, the server can send one or more cookies to the user's browser.
These cookies are stored by the browser on the user's hard drive.
Each browser may use different directories and methods to store these cookies.
For example, in Google Chrome browser, cookies are usually stored in a specific database file under the user's profile folder, with a path similar to:
C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Cookies
In Firefox browser, the storage method is similar, but the file name and path differ:
C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\<random_string>.default\cookies.sqlite
Beyond local storage, some system designs can utilize server-side storage for cookies, such as in the server's database, enabling the server to manage cookie creation and access, which enhances security and control. This approach is typically employed in scenarios requiring high security or strict user authentication.
In summary, the storage location and method for cookies can vary based on different browsers and system designs, but the general rule is that they are stored in the browser-specified location on the user's device.