# REST API parameters

API parameters can be used with the [REST API](/cms/api/rest) to filter, sort, and paginate results and to select fields and relations to populate. Additionally, specific parameters related to optional Strapi features can be used, like the publication state and locale of a content-type.

The following API parameters are available:

| Operator           | Type          | Description                                           |
| ------------------ | ------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- |
| `filters`          | Object        | [Filter the response](/cms/api/rest/filters) |
| `locale`           | String        | [Select a locale](/cms/api/rest/locale) |
| `status`           | String        | [Select the Draft & Publish status](/cms/api/rest/status) |
| `populate`         | String or Object | [Populate relations, components, or dynamic zones](/cms/api/rest/populate-select#population) |
| `fields`           | Array         | [Select only specific fields to display](/cms/api/rest/populate-select#field-selection) |
| `sort`             | String or Array  | [Sort the response](/cms/api/rest/sort-pagination.md#sorting) |
| `pagination`       | Object        | [Page through entries](/cms/api/rest/sort-pagination.md#pagination) |

Query parameters use the  (i.e. they are encoded using square brackets `[]`).

:::tip
A wide range of REST API parameters can be used and combined to query your content, which can result in long and complex query URLs.<br/>👉 You can use Strapi's [interactive query builder](/cms/api/rest/interactive-query-builder) tool to build query URLs more conveniently. 🤗
:::