What is the Difference Between Query Parameters and Path Parameters?

In the world of web development and APIs, understanding how different types of URL parameters work is essential. Query parameters and path parameters are two methods of passing information in HTTP requests that play a crucial role in determining how requests are routed and processed. In this article, we dive into their differences and usage:

Path Parameters

Path parameters are integral parts of a URL path. They are used to identify a specific resource or path in a web application. These parameters are embedded directly within the URL path, making them straightforward in terms of structure and use. For example, in the URL https://api.example.com/users/123, 123 is a path parameter identifying a specific user resource.

Query Parameters

Query parameters, on the other hand, are appended to the URL as key-value pairs. They typically appear after a question mark (?) and are separated by ampersands (&). Query parameters provide additional data for the request, often used for filtering results or specifying certain conditions. An example of query parameters in a URL is https://api.example.com/users?active=true&sort=desc.

Key Differences

The main differences between query parameters and path parameters lie in their usage and visibility. Path parameters are part of the URL structure itself and are used for resource identification, while query parameters provide extra context and options for the resource being requested.

To enhance your understanding, explore these valuable resources on request parameters and how they function in different scenarios:

• Understanding Request Parameters in NGINX Reverse Proxy
• Adding Arguments to Get Request Body
• Updating Request Parameters in FastAPI
• Exploring Request Parameter Updates in FastAPI