Cookies, Sessions, and Cache

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Cookies, Sessions, and Cache  Modern web applications rely on several client–server mechanisms to store data and improve performance.  Among them, cookies , sessions , and cache are the most widely used.  Although they can seem similar at first, each serves a different purpose.  1. Cookies — Small Data Stored on the Client Cookies are small text files stored in the user’s browser.  They are sent with every request to the same domain, which makes them useful for remembering user information between visits. 1.1 What cookies are used for Keeping users logged in Saving site preferences (theme, language) Tracking analytics and advertising Shopping cart persistence 1.2 Characteristics Stored on the client Can persist for days, months, or years Limited to around 4KB Automatically include...

Modern Browser Features and APIs

Modern Browser Features and APIs (WebRTC, WebAssembly, and More)

Modern Browser Features and APIs


Modern web browsers have evolved from simple document viewers into powerful application platforms. 

Today’s browsers include APIs that enable real-time communication, native-like performance, hardware access, and advanced multimedia capabilities. 

Understanding these features helps developers build faster, richer, and more interactive web applications without plugins.


1. WebRTC — Real-Time Audio, Video, and Data

WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) enables direct peer-to-peer audio, video, and data communication in the browser without plugins.

1.1 What you can build with WebRTC

  • Video conferencing apps

  • Voice chat platforms

  • Screen-sharing tools

  • Multiplayer games (P2P data channels)


1.2 Minimal Example: Get Webcam Video

navigator.mediaDevices.getUserMedia({ video: true, audio: false })
  .then(stream => {
    document.querySelector("video").srcObject = stream;
  });

This instantly displays a live camera feed.



2. WebAssembly (Wasm) — Near-Native Performance in the Browser

WebAssembly allows developers to run languages like C, C++, Rust, or Go inside the browser with near-native performance.

2.1 Why it matters

  • Runs heavy tasks faster than JavaScript

  • Useful for 3D modeling, games, video editing, AI inference

  • Secure and sandboxed

2.2 Example Use Cases

  • Figma uses Wasm for real-time vector editing

  • AutoCAD Web runs its engine using WebAssembly

  • TensorFlow.js uses Wasm backend for machine learning

2.3 Example: Loading a Wasm Module

const response = await fetch("module.wasm");
const wasm = await WebAssembly.instantiateStreaming(response);
console.log(wasm.instance.exports.add(2, 3));



3. Service Workers — Offline Support & Caching

Service workers run in the background and enable features like:

  • Offline websites

  • Background sync

  • Push notifications

  • Smart caching (PWA optimization)


Example: Offline-first Cache

self.addEventListener("install", e => {
  e.waitUntil(
    caches.open("v1").then(cache => cache.add("/offline.html"))
  );
});

When the network is down, you can serve cached pages.



4. WebGPU — Next-Generation Graphics & Compute

WebGPU is the successor to WebGL, enabling advanced GPU computing and high-performance graphics.

4.1 What you can build

  • AAA-level browser games

  • Real-time rendering

  • AI model acceleration

  • GPU-powered simulations


4.2 Simple WebGPU Initialization

const adapter = await navigator.gpu.requestAdapter();
const device = await adapter.requestDevice();
console.log(device);



5. WebXR — Virtual & Augmented Reality

With WebXR, browsers can access VR/AR hardware, enabling immersive web experiences.

5.1 Use cases

  • AR product previews

  • Interactive VR websites

  • Training simulations


5.2 Example

navigator.xr.requestSession("immersive-vr")
  .then(session => console.log("VR session started"));




6. Web Speech API — Speech Recognition & Synthesis

Modern browsers can recognize speech and speak text aloud.

6.1 Example: Speech Recognition

const rec = new webkitSpeechRecognition();
rec.onresult = e => console.log(e.results[0][0].transcript);
rec.start();


6.2 Use cases

  • Voice assistants

  • Accessible interfaces

  • Hands-free apps



7. Clipboard API — Copy/Paste Access

The browser now allows secure access to the clipboard.

Example

navigator.clipboard.writeText("Copied text!");

Useful for share buttons, code examples, etc.



8. File System Access API — Read & Write Local Files

Allows users to open, edit, and save files locally—directly from the website.

Example

const handle = await window.showSaveFilePicker();
const writable = await handle.createWritable();
await writable.write("Hello!");
await writable.close();

This makes it possible to build apps like:

  • Online IDEs

  • Image editors

  • Document editors



9. Web Push API — Browser Notifications

Web apps can send native notifications—even when the site is closed.

Example

new Notification("Hello from your website!");

Requires user permission but drastically improves engagement.



10. Conclusion

Modern browsers now act as full application platforms, providing APIs for real-time communication, offline support, high-performance computation, VR/AR, security, and hardware access. 

Technologies like WebRTC, WebAssembly, and WebGPU allow developers to build sophisticated applications without native software or plugins.

As browsers continue to evolve, the line between web apps and native apps becomes thinner—making now the best time to take advantage of these powerful features.

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