在计算机科学领域来说，尤其是在网络领域，会话（session）是一种持久网络协议，在用户（或用户代理）端和服务器端之间创建关联，从而起到交换数据包的作用机制，session在网络协议（例如telnet或FTP）中是非常重要的部分。

在不包含会话层（例如UDP）或者是无法长时间驻留会话层（例如HTTP）的传输协议中，会话的维持需要依靠在传输数据中的高级别进程。例如，在浏览器和远程主机之间的HTTP传输中，HTTP cookie就会被用来包含一些相关的信息，例如session ID，参数和权限信息等。

In computer science, in particular networking, a session is a semi-permanent interactive information interchange, also known as a dialogue, a conversation or a meeting, between two or more communicating devices, or between a computer and user (see Login session). A session is set up or established at a certain point in time, and then torn down at some later point. An established communication session may involve more than one message in each direction. A session is typically, but not always, stateful, meaning that at least one of the communicating parts needs to save information about the session history in order to be able to communicate, as opposed to stateless communication, where the communication consists of independent requests with responses.