What is it?
A path parameter is a value placed directly inside a URL path.
It is commonly used to identify one specific resource.
Simple Definition：
A path parameter tells the API exactly which resource you want.
Software Knowledge → 03 · HTTP & APIs → Path Parameter
PART III · HTTP & APIs
Path Parameter
A value placed inside a URL path to identify a specific resource.
Think of it like...
Think of an address inside a building.
The endpoint identifies the area.
The path parameter identifies the exact item.
Orders→Order 1001
What does it do?
Path parameters commonly identify:
Order IDOne specific order.
Customer IDOne specific customer.
Product IDOne specific product.
User IDOne specific user.
File IDOne specific file.
Other Specific ResourcesAny uniquely identified object.
Where is it used?
Path parameters are commonly used in REST APIs.
Retrieve One RecordGet one specific resource.
Update One RecordChange one specific resource.
Delete One RecordRemove one specific resource.
View One ResourceOpen the details of one object.
Example
Use：
GET /api/orders/1001Break down：
/api/orders
Resource path
1001
Path parameterMeaning： Retrieve order 1001.
Second example：
DELETE /api/orders/1001Meaning：Delete order 1001.
How it connects
Resource Endpoint→Path Parameter→Specific Resource
Example：
/api/orders→1001→Order 1001
Do Not Confuse
Path Parameter ≠ Query Parameter
Path Parameter
Usually identifies a specific resource.
/api/orders/1001Query Parameter
Usually filters or controls a request.
/api/orders?status=completedPath Parameter = Which resource
Query Parameter = How to filter or control the request
Topic Glossary
| ENGLISH TERM | 中文 | SIMPLE ENGLISH | 中文小白理解 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Path Parameter | 路径参数 | A value inside a URL path used to identify a resource. | 放在 URL 路径中、用来标识具体资源的参数。 |
| Path | 路径 | The part of a URL that identifies where a resource is located. | URL 中用来定位资源的位置部分。 |
| Resource | 资源 | The data or object being identified. | Path Parameter 所指向的数据或业务对象。 |
| Resource ID | 资源 ID | A unique value used to identify one resource. | 用来唯一标识某个具体资源的值。 |
| Endpoint | 接口地址 | The API address containing the path parameter. | 包含路径参数的 API 访问地址。 |
| Query Parameter | 查询参数 | A parameter usually used to filter or control a request. | 通常用来筛选或控制请求的参数。 |
| URL | URL 地址 | The full address containing the path. | 包含资源路径的完整网络地址。 |
| Route | 路由 | Backend mapping that may read the path parameter. | 后端根据 URL 路径匹配处理逻辑的规则。 |
| Order ID | 订单 ID | A value used to identify one specific order. | 用来唯一标识某一张订单的值。 |
What to Remember
Path parameters identify specific resources.
They are part of the URL path.
Path parameters and query parameters serve different purposes.
Final：
Resource Path + Path Parameter = Specific Resource