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URI request

As explained in Elasticsearch in Action, Second Edition

An Elasticsearch search request that expresses query parameters in the request URI rather than in a Query DSL request body.

A URI request searches Elasticsearch by attaching query parameters to the _search URL instead of sending criteria in a Query DSL request body. It suits simple searches that fit name:value expressions. section 8.4.1 section 8.6

Find movies by title

GET movies/_search?q=title:Godfather The query follows the question-mark delimiter and uses title:Godfather as its name:value criterion. It can return movies matching “Godfather” in the title, such as the trilogy. section 8.4.1 section 8.6

GET|POST <your_index_name>/_search?q=<name:value> AND|OR <name:value>

Use the compact request pattern to combine simple criteria with AND or OR. section 8.6

Keep these operational distinctions in mind:

  • Target one index, multiple comma-separated indexes or aliases, or all indexes by omitting the index scope. section 8.5.1
  • Prefer Query DSL when criteria become complex because it is more powerful, expressive, and supports advanced queries and aggregations. section 8.4.1 section 8.9
  • Use the _search endpoint through GET or POST when issuing the URI form. section 8.4.1

How Elasticsearch in Action, Second Edition covers it

How deep it goes
Defines q=name:value syntax and index scope, but stops short of the complex criteria supported by Query DSL.
Examples
Uses a movies search for title:Godfather and a compact AND/OR request pattern.
What it assumes
Assumes basic REST endpoint and index knowledge while introducing the URI alternative to JSON Query DSL searches.
What you can do after
Apply Elasticsearch’s _search endpoint to issue simple GET or POST searches with URL query parameters.
How it connects
Connects the _search endpoint with Query DSL, search requests, search responses, and index or alias scope.
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