What function does a query parameter serve in Access?

A query parameter in Access is designed to prompt the user for input when running a query. This allows for dynamic queries where the user can specify the criteria for the data they wish to retrieve, making the query more versatile. For example, if a user is looking for records within a specific date range, a query parameter can ask the user to enter the start and end dates. This interactive feature enhances the usability of the database by allowing users to tailor queries to their immediate needs without modifying the query design itself.

The other options do not accurately describe the role of a query parameter. A summary of records, for example, might be the result of an aggregate function, but it does not utilize a query parameter for user interaction. Generating random values is not a function of query parameters, which focus more on user-specified criteria than on randomness. Lastly, query results are typically formatted based on the design of the query itself, rather than being automatically formatted by query parameters. Therefore, the use of a query parameter distinctly facilitates user input, enhancing the query's functionality.