@QueryParam vs. @PathParam: When to Use Which for REST API Parameters?

URL Parameter Usage Conventions: @QueryParam vs. @PathParam

When designing a REST API, one crucial choice is determining when to use @QueryParam versus @PathParam annotations for URL parameters. While REST doesn't enforce strict rules, established conventions provide guidance for structuring API URLs effectively.

Use @PathParam for Required and Hierarchical Parameters

Typically, @PathParam is used for required URL parameters that represent the path itself or define a category within an information tree. They are well-suited for identifying entities within a hierarchy, such as:

/departments/{id}
/products/{category}/{id}

Use @QueryParam for Optional and Dynamic Parameters

In contrast, @QueryParam is best suited for optional or dynamic parameters. These refine or filter resource selection, such as:

/customers?email=johndoe@example.com
/orders?status=shipped

Additional Considerations

For optional parameters in the path, while possible, it can result in unnecessarily convoluted URL handlers. Optional parameters with multiple possible values are better handled with query strings.

In general, it's recommended to keep API URLs concise and intuitive. Place required and hierarchical parameters in the path, leveraging @PathParam. Use @QueryParam for optional and dynamic filters, ensuring the API remains both flexible and user-friendly.

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