This Cookie Policy explains how DevStepX ("we", "our", "us") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website at devstepx.com. It should be read alongside our Privacy Policy.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work efficiently, to remember your preferences, and to provide reporting information to website owners.
In addition to cookies, we may use similar technologies such as web beacons (tiny graphic files), pixel tags, and local storage objects. This policy covers all such technologies collectively.
2. Types of Cookies We Use
We use the following categories of cookies. Where we need your consent (non-essential cookies), we will ask for it when you first visit our site.
Essential for the website to function correctly. Cannot be disabled.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| __session | Manages user session state for any authenticated areas | Session |
| csrf_token | Protects forms against cross-site request forgery attacks | Session |
Help us understand how visitors interact with our website so we can improve it.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics – distinguishes unique users | 2 years |
| _ga_* | Google Analytics – maintains session state | 2 years |
| _gid | Google Analytics – distinguishes users (24-hour window) | 24 hours |
| _gat | Google Analytics – throttles request rate | 1 minute |
Enable enhanced functionality and personalisation such as remembering your preferences.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| theme_pref | Stores your preferred theme (light/dark) on the blog reader | 1 year |
| width_pref | Stores your preferred reading width on the blog reader | 1 year |
Set by third-party services embedded on our website.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Calendly cookies | Enables the Calendly scheduling widget. Subject to Calendly's own Cookie Policy. | Varies |
3. Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies on our website are placed by third-party services that appear on our pages. We do not control these cookies. The following third parties may place cookies when you visit our website:
- Google Analytics (analytics.google.com) — website usage analytics
- Calendly (calendly.com) — appointment scheduling widget
Each of these parties has its own privacy and cookie policies. We encourage you to review them directly:
- Google Privacy Policy: policies.google.com/privacy
- Calendly Privacy Policy: calendly.com/privacy
4. Your Cookie Choices
You have several options to control or limit how we and our partners use cookies:
Browser Settings
Most browsers allow you to refuse or delete cookies via their settings. Note that blocking all cookies may affect website functionality. Find instructions for major browsers at their support pages (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge).
Google Analytics Opt-Out
Install the Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-on to prevent Google Analytics from collecting data about your visits.
Industry Opt-Out Tools
You can opt out of interest-based advertising from participating companies via the Digital Advertising Alliance (optout.aboutads.info) or the European Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance (youronlinechoices.eu).
Strictly necessary cookies cannot be disabled as they are required for the website to function. Disabling them may prevent you from using certain features.
5. Cookie Retention Periods
Cookies are either:
- Session cookies: temporary cookies deleted when you close your browser
- Persistent cookies: remain on your device for a set period or until manually deleted
Retention periods for each cookie are listed in the table in Section 2. After the retention period expires, the cookie is automatically deleted.
6. Do Not Track
Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature. Because there is no universally accepted standard for responding to DNT signals, we do not currently alter our data collection practices in response to DNT signals. We will revisit this position as industry standards develop.
7. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the cookies we use, changes in the law, or improvements to our practices. Material changes will be notified on our website. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page indicates when the policy was last revised.
8. Contact Us
If you have questions about our use of cookies or this policy, please contact us: