Path Parameters

Path parameters are variables embedded in the URL path of a web API endpoint, used to identify specific resources or data. They are a key component of RESTful API design, allowing dynamic routing by passing values directly in the URL structure. For example, in a URL like '/users/123', '123' is a path parameter that specifies a particular user.

Also known as: URL parameters, Route parameters, Path variables, Dynamic segments, URI parameters

Why learn Path Parameters?

Developers should learn path parameters when building or consuming RESTful APIs, as they enable clean, readable URLs for resource identification and CRUD operations. They are essential for scenarios like retrieving, updating, or deleting specific items (e.g., products in an e-commerce API) and are widely supported in frameworks like Express.js, Django REST Framework, and Spring Boot.

Learning Resources

• docs: MDN Web Docs: Path Parameters
• docs: Express.js Routing Guide
• tutorial: REST API Tutorial: Path vs Query Parameters
• video: YouTube: Path Parameters Explained
• tutorial: Spring Boot: Handling Path Variables