# Queries and commands

## Introduction

Queries and commands are a fundamental concept to working with the API.

A **query** is an interrogative to request data. It is expressed as a verb or as a verb-noun phrase. For example:

* Count Answers
* Search Groups

A **command** is an imperative to execute a function. It is expressed as a verb or as a verb-noun phrase. For example:

* Add Question
* Delete
* Join Group
* Send Email

## Queries

The API provides support for several distinct types of query. Here is a summary of the purpose and intended developer use case for each type:

<table><thead><tr><th width="135">Query Type</th><th width="398">Query Purpose</th><th>API Endpoint Template</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><i class="fa-check">:check:</i> <strong>Assert</strong></td><td>Check for the existence of one specific item in a collection using a key value (returns true or false)</td><td><p><strong>HEAD</strong></p><p>api/collection/{id}</p></td></tr><tr><td><i class="fa-album-collection">:album-collection:</i> <strong>Collect</strong></td><td>Collect the list of items that match specific criteria in a collection (returns a paged list of heavyweight models, suitable for a detailed view of each item in a user interface; also suitable for integration with other systems)</td><td><strong>POST</strong> (or GET)<br>api/collection/collect</td></tr><tr><td><i class="fa-tally">:tally:</i> <strong>Count</strong></td><td>Count the list of items that match specific criteria in a collection (returns an integer)</td><td><strong>POST</strong> (or GET)<br>api/collection/count</td></tr><tr><td><i class="fa-download">:download:</i> <strong>Download</strong></td><td>Download the list of items that match specific criteria in a collection (returns an unpaged list of heavyweight models, suitable for a detailed view of each item in a user interface; also suitable for integration with other systems)</td><td><strong>POST</strong> (or GET)<br>api/collection/download</td></tr><tr><td><i class="fa-file-export">:file-export:</i> <strong>Export</strong></td><td>Export the list of items that match specific criteria in a collection (returns a private and secure link to download the export file; link expires after 1 hour)</td><td><strong>POST</strong><br>api/collection/export</td></tr><tr><td><i class="fa-album">:album:</i> <strong>Retrieve</strong></td><td>Retrieve one specific item in a collection using a key value (returns a heavyweight model suitable for a detailed view of the item in a user interface)</td><td><p><strong>GET</strong></p><p>api/collection/{id}</p></td></tr><tr><td><i class="fa-magnifying-glass">:magnifying-glass:</i> <strong>Search</strong></td><td>Search for the list of items that match specific criteria in a collection (returns a paged list of lightweight models intended for search results, combo boxes, lookups, etc.)</td><td><strong>POST</strong> (or GET)<br>api/collection/search</td></tr></tbody></table>


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# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.shiftiq.com/developers/getting-started/queries-and-commands.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.