What is one of the main purposes of cookies on websites?

Cookies serve several important functions on websites, and one of the main purposes is to facilitate website tracking and transactions. When a user visits a site, cookies are created and stored in the user's browser. These small pieces of data allow websites to remember information about the user's session, such as login details, preferences, or items added to a shopping cart. This capability not only enhances user experience by providing personalization and convenience but also enables website operators to track visitor behavior, gather analytics, and manage transactions seamlessly.

The use of cookies is essential for e-commerce sites where user interactions need to be consistently recognized and logged during the duration of a visit or across multiple sessions. This tracking helps ensure that users can navigate the site efficiently, without losing their input or preferences as they move from page to page, which is crucial for completing purchases and providing a smooth online shopping experience.

Understanding this primary function of cookies helps clarify their role in the broader context of website operations and user engagement. The other options, such as improving website graphics or increasing server speed, do not accurately reflect the specific utility of cookies in managing user data and interactions.