Apart from server sided logic (CGI) this could also mean that parameters are passed to client side scripts only. In JavaScript you can easily grab the string after the '?' with

var params = document.location.search;
// parse the params and take proper action
[download]

This way you have the "poor man's CGI" without server side scripts etc., something which can be very useful if you don't have CGI rights (e.g. simple hosting provider).

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Cheers, Joe