Query String
Definition
A query string transmits named parameters within a URL.
The part of a URL after the question mark that transmits named parameters to a resource or application.
Simply explained
The part after the question mark can tell a page, for example, which results page to display.
Why it matters in practice
The term contributes to secure, maintainable, and high-performance web applications as well as resilient technical decisions.
Example from business
Possible example: In a web address, `?page=2&sort=date` requests the second results page and selects sorting by date.
Limits and pitfalls
- Transmitting secrets in URLs, accepting values without validation, or handling encoding incorrectly.
Origin & history
Query components have been part of the web since early URI standards and are now defined in RFC 3986.
Use in mid-sized companies
- Possible application: `?page=2&sort=date` controls a result list.
Frequently asked questions
What does query string mean?
The part of a URL after the question mark that transmits named parameters to a resource or application. What mistakes should be avoided? Transmitting secrets in URLs, accepting values without validation, or handling encoding incorrectly.
Sources
Source checked on 10.10.2026. Editorial application examples are hypothetical; no evidence of real customer results.
Editorially reviewed on: