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$filter

Functionality​

Definition​

The $filter endpoint allows you to query data within a dataclass or method using various criteria. This endpoint is versatile, supporting both simple and complex filters, as well as filters using parameters.

Syntax​

To use the $filter parameter, follow this format:

GET /rest/{{dataClass}}?$filter="{{filterExpression}}"

Attribute​

Attributes can be directly specified if they belong to the same dataclass. For attributes from related dataclasses, you must include the relation path. The attribute names are case-sensitive.

  • Filtering by a related dataclass attribute:

    GET /rest/Employee?$filter="employer.name=Acme"

  • Filtering by an object attribute using dot notation:

    GET /rest/Person?$filter="objAttribute.prop2=9181"

Comparator​

The comparator in a filter specifies the type of comparison to be made. The following comparators are supported:

ComparatorDescription
=Equals to
!=Not equal to
>Greater than
>;=Greater than or equal to
<Less than
<=Less than or equal to
beginBegins with

Handling Special Characters​

When using quotes in filter values, you must escape them using their character codes:

  • Single quotes ('): \u0027
  • Double quotes ("): \u0022

Example​

To filter by last name "O'Reilly":

  • Using the params property:

    GET /rest/Person?$filter="lastName=:1"&$params='["O\u0027Reilly"]'

  • Directly in the filter expression:

    GET /rest/Person?$filter="lastName=O'Reilly"

Combining with Other Parameters​

The $filter parameter can be combined with other parameters to refine and manipulate data retrieval:

  • $orderby: Sort the filtered results.

  • $top/$limit and $skip: Limit the number of filtered records and skip a certain number of records.

  • $expand: Include related data that matches the filter criteria.

  • $attributes: Specify which attributes to include in the response for the filtered results.

  • $compute: Perform calculations on the filtered data.

  • $distinct: Retrieve distinct values from the filtered data set.

  • $method=entityset: Create an entity set based on the filtered results and save it in the server's cache.

Use Cases​

Using a Simple Filter​

A simple filter consists of an attribute, a comparator, and a value.

Syntax​

{attribute} {comparator} {value}

Example​

To filter employees with the first name "John":

GET /rest/Employee?$filter="firstName=john"

Using a Complex Filter​

A complex filter joins two or more conditions using logical operators (AND, OR, EXCEPT).

Syntax​

{attribute} {comparator} {value} {AND/OR/EXCEPT} {attribute} {comparator} {value}

Example​

To filter employees named John with a salary greater than 20,000:

GET /rest/Employee?$filter="firstName=john AND salary>20000"

Using the Params Property​

You can use placeholders in your filter expressions and provide their values using the $params property. This method is useful for dynamic queries where values are provided at runtime.

Syntax​

{attribute} {comparator} {placeholder} {AND/OR/EXCEPT} {attribute} {comparator} {placeholder}&$params='["{value1}","{value2}"]'

Example​

To filter employees named John with a salary greater than 20,000 using placeholders:

GET /rest/Employee?$filter="firstName=:1 AND salary>:2"&$params='["john",20000]'

Best Practices​

  • Combine Filters: Use logical operators to combine multiple conditions and refine your queries.

  • Use Placeholders: Utilize the $params property for dynamic queries to improve readability and maintainability.

  • Escape Special Characters: Ensure proper escaping of quotes in filter values to avoid syntax errors.

  • Specify Relation Paths: When querying related dataclass attributes, always include the correct relation path.