Query Parameter
A key-value input carried in the query portion of a URL to modify a request.
Plain English
An option added after the question mark in a URL.
In context
Query parameters commonly express filtering sorting pagination or optional controls and need documented encoding validation and privacy handling.
Example
“The endpoint uses the query parameter status=open to filter results.”
When you'll hear this
- API design
- frontend integration
- testing
Common misunderstanding
Query parameters are visible in URLs and logs and should not carry secrets; they are also distinct from path parameters.
Also known as
query string parameterURL parameter
Commonly used by
Related terms
Updated: 2026-08-27
