What are query parameters in APIs used for?

Query parameters in APIs play a crucial role in refining and customizing data requests sent to a server. They are typically used to pass additional information in the URL of the API request, allowing clients to specify the criteria for the data they want to retrieve. This can include filters for specific attributes, sorting order, pagination information, or other parameters that help the server understand exactly what the client is requesting.

For instance, if an application needs a list of users, using query parameters allows the client to request just those users who meet certain conditions, such as being active or belonging to a particular group. Additionally, sorting parameters can instruct the server to return results in a specific order, enhancing the efficiency and relevance of the data provided.

While other activities such as executing commands, filling out forms, or uploading files are part of broader API functionalities, they do not specifically leverage the concept of query parameters for data manipulation in the way that filtering or sorting does. Query parameters are focused on tailoring data retrieval, making them essential for effective API usage.