What is the 'client' parameter in google places API

Question

Some people load the google places api with a client parameter, example :

<script type="text/javascript" src="//maps.google.com/maps/api/js?sensor=false&client=CLIENT_PARAMETER_VALUE&libraries=places&language=en"></script>

What is this parameter stand for ? Is it used in relation with a quota limitation ?

I have checked the documentation (https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/javascript/places) and there is nothing about the client parameter or about quota usage limitations.

Thank you in advance for your feedbacks !

Answer 1

the client parameter is used by people with the Google Maps API for Business licence, which gives a variety of benefits: https://developers.google.com/maps/licensing