Server Speed with Sessions

[TheServant]

Hey Guys,
I have coded my site (not finished) using sessions, probably about 50-100 variables. Obviously, session variables are stored on the server side etc… My question is: Should I be using cookies (if they’re client side) or something else instead because I have so many variables? If I have 1000 users (or even more) online at once will it overload my server?

The Servant

[Markus]

It depends on what type of data you're using...

Does it need to be secure? If so, you be best of using sessions as they are harder to manipulate.

[TheServant]

Well basically it is user information for an online game. So I don't really want it to be changed, but it is not national security! But at the moment there is no encryption.

[Markus]

Well basically it is user information for an online game. So I don't really want it to be changed, but it is not national security! But at the moment there is no encryption.

I'm no expert on the situation.. but i can't see cookies being any faster.

What if cookies are disabled?

[TheServant]

I am not sure, just getting opinions on what is the optimum set up for speed, if speed is even worth worrying about. It is possible that my site will be totally fine, but I just wanted to be prepared with some knowledge.