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Data Filtering (_filter)

Data Filtering allows API consumers to select specific properties they want to receive, supporting data minimalization principles and optimizing response sizes.

Overview​

The _filter parameter enables:

  • Selection of specific properties
  • Nested property filtering
  • Exclusion of sensitive data
  • Response optimization
  • GDPR compliance support

Filter Types​

Property Selection​

  • Individual fields
  • Multiple properties
  • Required fields
  • Optional fields

Nested Properties​

  • Dot notation support
  • Deep property access
  • Relationship traversal
  • Conditional inclusion

Special Filters​

  • System properties
  • Metadata fields
  • Computed properties
  • Virtual attributes

Key Benefits​

  1. Data Minimalization

    • Request only needed data
    • Reduce sensitive data exposure
    • Support GDPR compliance
    • Optimize response size

  2. Performance

    • Reduce bandwidth usage
    • Faster responses
    • Efficient processing
    • Reduced server load

  3. Privacy

    • Control data exposure
    • Implement need-to-know
    • Support data protection
    • Audit data access

Privacy & Compliance​

  • Supports GDPR data minimalization
  • Helps implement need-to-know principle
  • Reduces unnecessary data exposure
  • Provides audit trail integration
  • Enforces data access policies

Best Practices​

  1. Field Selection

    • Choose fields deliberately
    • Consider data sensitivity
    • Think about use cases
    • Plan for scalability

  2. Performance

    • Limit nested filters
    • Consider caching
    • Monitor response times
    • Optimize common patterns

  3. Security

    • Review filtered data
    • Check access rights
    • Log usage patterns
    • Monitor for abuse