Can URL parameters be captured without a question mark delimiter?
Matthew Whittaker
Co-founder & CTO, Suped
Published 8 Jul 2025
Updated 18 Aug 2025
8 min read
When we think about URLs and their structure, the question mark (?) immediately comes to mind as the universal signpost for the beginning of query parameters. It's the standard, the convention, and what most web browsers and server-side applications expect. However, the internet is a vast and varied landscape, and sometimes, the rules are bent, or entirely different rules apply.
The core question then becomes: can URL parameters truly be captured without this ubiquitous question mark delimiter? The answer is nuanced, depending heavily on where and how the parameters are expected to be interpreted. While the conventional `?` is indeed the standard, there are scenarios where alternative methods are employed.
How URL parameters traditionally work
In the standard URL format, the question mark acts as a crucial separator, marking the transition from the path component of the URL to the query string. Anything that follows the `?` is considered part of the query, which typically consists of key-value pairs separated by ampersands (`&`). This structure is defined by RFC 3986, the Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) specification, which dictates how URLs should be constructed and parsed.
For instance, in a URL like https://example.com/page?id=123&name=test, the `?` clearly delineates the base URL https://example.com/page from the parameters id=123 and name=test. This standard approach ensures consistency and allows various web components, from browsers to servers, to correctly interpret the requested resources and their associated data. According to Sitebulb, the question mark is used as a separator and is not part of the query string itself.
Standard query parameters
Separator: The question mark (`?`) clearly indicates the start of parameters.
Delimiter: Parameters are typically separated by an ampersand (`&`).
Key-Value: Each parameter follows a key=value format.
Parsing: Browsers and servers have built-in functions to easily parse these standard query strings.
Understanding this conventional behavior is key to appreciating why some systems might deviate and how they manage to capture parameters differently. The primary challenge without the question mark is that the browser itself won't automatically distinguish between path segments and query parameters, shifting the responsibility entirely to the server.
Alternative delimiters and server-side parsing
While `?` is the standard for query parameters, some systems use other delimiters or even embed parameters directly within the path. For example, some tracking URLs, particularly from ad networks, might use semicolons (`;`) to separate parameters instead of ampersands (`&`), and might omit the initial question mark entirely, as seen in the Stack Overflow discussion on misused question marks. In such cases, the server receiving the request must be specifically configured to parse these non-standard URLs.
This server-side parsing typically involves URL rewriting rules or custom application logic. A web server like Apache or Nginx can be set up with rules that interpret certain path segments or alternative delimiters as if they were standard query parameters. The parameters are part of the path, not the query string. This means that a URL like https://example.com/track/param1/value1/param2/value2 could be configured to capture param1=value1 and param2=value2. Similarly, a URL with semicolons would require the server to split the string based on that character.
Example: URL rewriting
Apache .htaccess Example for Path-Based Parametersapache
Another method is using the fragment identifier (`#`), though this is primarily for client-side use. Historically, the part of a URL after a hash symbol is not sent to the server. However, client-side JavaScript can read and interpret this portion of the URL to manage parameters without affecting the server request. This is common in single-page applications (SPAs) that use client-side routing. While it doesn't solve the server-side capture without a `?`, it does provide a way to pass data via the URL that is processed without a traditional query string.
Client-side considerations for parameter capture
From a client-side perspective, standard browser APIs in JavaScript are designed to parse URLs based on the conventional `?` and `&` delimiters. The `URLSearchParams` interface, for example, expects parameters to follow this format. If a URL uses semicolons or path-based parameters without a `?`, these built-in methods will not automatically extract the desired values.
Standard parsing
Automatic recognition: Browsers automatically parse query strings after a `?`.
API support: JavaScript’s `URL` and `URLSearchParams` objects simplify parameter extraction for standard formats.
Fragment usage: The hash symbol (`#`) is used for client-side routing or section linking, and its content is not sent to the server.
Custom parsing
Manual extraction: You must manually parse `window.location.pathname` or `window.location.hash` using string manipulation or regular expressions.
Frameworks: Web frameworks may provide utilities to handle complex URL routing patterns.
To capture parameters from a URL without a `?` on the client side, developers must resort to manual parsing. This involves accessing the `window.location.pathname` (for path-based parameters) or `window.location.hash` (for fragment-based parameters) and then using JavaScript string methods or regular expressions to extract the relevant key-value pairs. While technically possible, it adds a layer of complexity compared to the simplicity of using `URLSearchParams` with standard query strings.
The choice between client-side or server-side parameter capture without a question mark often depends on the specific use case. Server-side handling is ideal when the parameters need to influence resource delivery or database queries before the page loads. Client-side capture is suitable for dynamic content updates, client-side routing, or when you want to avoid sending certain data to the server, for instance, sensitive user preferences that are only relevant to the user's browser session.
Deliverability implications of non-standard URLs
While non-standard URL parameter formats might seem like a neat trick for specific tracking scenarios, they can introduce deliverability complications, especially in email marketing. Email filters and spam detection systems are designed to scrutinize URLs for suspicious patterns, and deviations from standard formatting might raise red flags. Issues with unencoded URLs or unusual structures can impact whether your emails land in the inbox or the spam folder.
Email Service Providers (ESPs) and Mailbox Providers (MBPs) often perform their own link wrapping and tracking, which typically assumes standard URL structures. If your links use unconventional parameter delimiters, these systems might struggle to correctly wrap or parse them, potentially leading to broken links or inaccurate tracking data. This can also affect email filters modifying or breaking links.
Additionally, the length of URLs, particularly when custom parameters are embedded, can also affect email deliverability and spam filtering. While the direct impact of a missing `?` on a blocklist or blacklist placement is generally low, the indirect effects of broken tracking or perceived unusual patterns can contribute to negative sender reputation. Be mindful of the risks of including email addresses as URL parameters, as this can sometimes trigger spam filters.
Trade-offs and best practices
I often think about the trade-offs when implementing custom URL structures. While they offer flexibility for specific tracking or routing needs, they invariably introduce complexity. This complexity can manifest in several ways, from increased development and maintenance overhead to potential headaches with third-party tools that expect standard URL formatting.
For example, if you're using analytics platforms, they might not automatically parse parameters passed via semicolons or as part of the path. This would necessitate custom configurations or additional scripting to ensure that your data is correctly captured and attributed. This extra work can quickly outweigh the benefits of using a non-standard approach, especially for marketing and analytical teams who rely on easily accessible data.
URL Parameter Strategy
Pros
Cons
Standard (? and &)
Universally recognized by browsers, servers, and analytics tools. Easy to implement and parse with standard APIs. Better for email deliverability.
Can make URLs look longer. Parameters are visible in the URL bar.
Path-based (/param/value)
Clean, human-readable URLs. Can be beneficial for SEO (though Google often treats parameters the same). More secure by obscuring parameters from casual view.
Requires server-side rewrite rules or custom routing logic. Not automatically parsed by client-side APIs. May confuse some caching mechanisms.
Alternative Delimiters (e.g., ;)
Can be used for specific tracking purposes by ad networks. Allows for custom URL structures for niche systems.
Highly non-standard. Requires custom parsing on both client and server. Likely to be misunderstood by proxies, firewalls, and analytics tools. Poor deliverability implications for email.
Fragment Identifiers (#)
Only processed client-side; not sent to the server. Useful for client-side routing in SPAs without full page reloads.
Not suitable for server-side parameter capture. Requires JavaScript to read and use.
Ultimately, the decision to use a non-standard parameter capture method without a question mark should be carefully weighed against the potential for increased complexity and reduced compatibility with existing web infrastructure and tools. While technically feasible, it's often more practical and robust to adhere to the widely accepted URL standards for parameters.
Views from the trenches
Best practices
Always validate your custom URL structures in test environments before deploying them broadly, especially in emails.
Document any non-standard URL parsing logic clearly for future reference and maintenance.
Consider using a Content Delivery Network (CDN) that supports your custom routing if you rely heavily on path-based parameters.
Leverage server-side logging to confirm that parameters are being captured as expected, regardless of the URL format.
Common pitfalls
Assuming all analytics platforms will automatically understand non-standard URL parameters without configuration.
Forgetting to implement client-side JavaScript parsing for URL fragments or path segments that carry data.
Ignoring the impact of URL length on deliverability or user experience, even with custom formats.
Not accounting for how email marketing platforms or ISPs might modify or break non-standard tracking URLs.
Expert tips
For email tracking, prioritize standard URL structures to minimize deliverability issues.
If using path-based parameters, ensure your web server's rewrite rules are robust and secure.
When dealing with unique tracking links, test them thoroughly across different browser environments.
Implement a consistent URL strategy across your entire digital presence to avoid confusion and parsing errors.
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks says they were initially concerned about the absence of a question mark, but are no longer worried after learning more about alternative link styles.
2024-05-10 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks says that whoever owns the web server can define whatever delimiters they want for parameters, making it technically fine from that end.
2024-05-10 - Email Geeks
Summary of URL parameter handling
While the question mark remains the de facto standard for delimiting URL query parameters, it's clear that alternative methods exist and are used in specific contexts. Server-side configurations, such as rewrite rules, allow for flexible parsing of path-based or alternatively delimited parameters. On the client side, JavaScript can be employed to manually extract data from unusual URL structures, including fragment identifiers.
However, departing from the standard can introduce complexities, particularly concerning compatibility with third-party tools and potential implications for email deliverability. For most applications, sticking to the conventional `?` for query parameters offers the greatest compatibility and ease of use, ensuring smoother data capture and a more predictable user experience. Always prioritize clarity and widely accepted standards where possible.
Apache or 
Nginx can be set up with rules that interpret certain path segments or alternative delimiters as if they were standard query parameters. The parameters are part of the path, not the query string. This means that a URL like https://example.com/track/param1/value1/param2/value2 could be configured to capture param1=value1 and param2=value2. Similarly, a URL with semicolons would require the server to split the string based on that character.
