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HTTP Header
Set-Cookie
ResponseInstructs the client to store a cookie.
HTTP header reference, syntax, examples, and developer usage.
What is the Set-Cookie header?
The Set-Cookie HTTP header is used to transmit metadata between a client and server as part of HTTP requests or responses.
HTTP headers define how content should be interpreted, cached, authenticated, secured, or processed by browsers and APIs.
Direction
This is a response header sent by the server to the client.
Syntax
Set-Cookie: name=value; Path=/; HttpOnly
Example
Set-Cookie: session_id=abc123; Path=/; HttpOnly; Secure
Common use cases
- Session management
- Login persistence
- Preference storage
Common mistakes
- Using the header in the wrong request or response context
- Sending invalid header values
- Incorrect header syntax
- Assuming the header automatically changes server behaviour