Query Parameters

Query parameters are key-value pairs appended to a URL to convey data to a server or application.

Why it matters

Facilitates data transfer between client and server.
Enables dynamic content rendering based on user input.

How to measure

Track usage through analytics tools.
Monitor performance impact over time.

Details

In mobile applications, query parameters are often used to pass information such as user preferences, session identifiers, or search queries. They are appended to the URL following a question mark (?), with each parameter separated by an ampersand (&). Proper encoding of these parameters is crucial to ensure data integrity and security.

For mobile engineers, understanding how to effectively use query parameters can enhance app functionality, enabling features like deep linking and personalized content delivery. Growth teams can leverage query parameters for tracking user interactions and optimizing marketing campaigns.

Examples & formulas

An example of a URL with query parameters: https://example.com/search?query=mobile&sort=asc. Here, "query" and "sort" are parameters with values "mobile" and "asc" respectively.

Common mistakes

Failing to URL-encode parameters, which can lead to errors or security vulnerabilities.
Overusing query parameters, which can complicate URLs and degrade performance.