Read, Write (Create) and Remove (Delete) Cookies in Asp.Net C# with example

Today we explain how to create, read and delete cookies in Asp.Net C#.

Advantages of Cookie:

• Its clear text so user can able to read it.
• We can store user preference information on the client machine.
• Its easy way to maintain.
• Fast accessing.

Disadvantages of Cookie

• If user clear cookie information we can't get it back.
• No security.
• Each request will have cookie information with page.

Example :

Aspx page snippet

 Enter Name : <asp:TextBox ID="txtName" runat="server" />
 <br />
 <br />
 Your Name : <asp:Label ID="lblName" runat="server"></asp:Label>
 <br />
 <br />
 <asp:Button ID="btnCreate" Text="Create Cookie" runat="server" OnClick="btnCreate_Click" />
 <asp:Button ID="btnRead" Text="Read Cookie" runat="server" OnClick="btnRead_Click" />
 <asp:Button ID="btnDelete" Text="Delete Cookie" runat="server" OnClick="btnDelete_Click" />

Create cookies on create button click

protected void btnCreate_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
    //Create a Cookie with a suitable Key.
    HttpCookie nameCookie = new HttpCookie("Name");

    //Set the Cookie value.
    nameCookie.Values["Name"] = txtName.Text;

    //Set the Expiry date.
    nameCookie.Expires = DateTime.Now.AddDays(30);

    //Add the Cookie to Browser.
    Response.Cookies.Add(nameCookie);

    txtName.Text = "";
    lblName.Text = "";
}

Read cookies on read button click

protected void btnRead_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
    //Fetch the Cookie using its Key.
    HttpCookie nameCookie = Request.Cookies["Name"];

    //If Cookie exists fetch its value.
    string name = nameCookie != null ? nameCookie.Value.Split('=')[1] : "undefined";
    lblName.Text = name;
}

Delete cookies on delete button click

protected void btnDelete_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
    //Fetch the Cookie using its Key.
    HttpCookie nameCookie = Request.Cookies["Name"];

    //Set the Expiry date to past date.
    nameCookie.Expires = DateTime.Now.AddDays(-1);

    //Update the Cookie in Browser.
    Response.Cookies.Add(nameCookie);

    txtName.Text = "";
    lblName.Text = "";
}