Use URL and Path Patterns Safely in QCDR Targeting

QCDR URL/path targeting uses simple anchored wildcard patterns against the current frontend path and URL. Use narrow patterns intentionally: * matches any sequence and ? matches one character.

What QCDR Compares

For each Rule pattern, QCDR tests both the current request path, such as /products/widget, and the current URL value. Matching is case-insensitive and the pattern must match the complete compared value, not merely appear somewhere inside it.

Wildcard Behavior

  • * matches zero or more characters.
  • ? matches exactly one character.
  • All other pattern characters are treated literally by the wildcard matcher.

For example, /products/* is appropriate for paths below /products/. A plain /products matches that exact path, not every descendant.

Queries Are Part of the URL Value

The path value contains no query string; the URL value can. If query parameters are important to your target, test the exact frontend request you intend to match. Avoid unnecessary query-specific patterns when the path alone defines the page, because transient tracking parameters can make targeting brittle.

Preview and Discovery Parameters Are Ignored

During QCDR private Preview or Discovery, QCDR removes its own qcdr_test, qcdr_rule, Preview-authentication, and Discovery parameters before building the URL used for ordinary Rule targeting. Testing therefore does not accidentally change whether the inspected page qualifies.

Safer Pattern Design

  • Prefer a stable path prefix over a site-wide *.
  • Use Joomla menu targeting when the route is stable by menu context but URLs vary.
  • Test a URL that should match and a close neighbor that should not.
  • Remember that page targeting is only one gate; other Rule targeting can still block the replacement.

Community Discussion

Want to compare workflows, share practical tips, or discuss how you use this QCDR feature? Visit the QC Dynamic Replacer Community. For private support, bug reports, account-specific issues, or feature requests, use the QuantaCade support system.