Use Cases

You can use the Finding API to search or browse for items. Each method has its advantages, depending on the experience your users want:

• Searching. When users are looking for something specific, searching helps them find it quickly. Searching requires the use of the keywords field to build a query. By entering two or three descriptive words about the item into a search box, and you receive search results that match those words. Searching also offers sophisticated options and commands that allow you to narrow your search in a variety of ways.

• Browsing. Sometimes, users aren't sure what they're looking for, or just want to window-shop or scroll through items. With findItemsByCategory, users can browse items in specific categories. With findItemsIneBayStores, users can browse items by eBay store.

The following use cases are described in this section: 

• Searching by Keywords

• Searching and Browsing by Category

• Searching by Product

• Refining a Search with Item Filters

• Refining a Search with Aspect Filters

• Controlling the Way Search Results are Returned

• Retrieving Histogram Metadata

• Affiliate Tracking

• Combining with Other eBay APIs