WP_Query array key / value pairs?

Question

I have a WP_Query like this.

    <?php
        $quote_args = array(
            'post_type' => 'post',
            'category_name' => 'quote',
            'orderby' => 'rand',
            'posts_per_page' => 1
        );

        $quote  = new WP_Query($quote_args);

        if($quote->have_posts()):
            while($quote->have_posts()):
                $quote->the_post();
    ?>
    <div id="testimonialWrap">  
        <p class="testimonial">
            <?php the_content_rss(); ?>
            <span><?php echo the_title(); ?></span>
            <em></em>
        </p>
    </div>
    <?php
        endwhile;
        endif;
    ?>

It just randomly selects posts that are quotes.

My questions is the $quote_args array has a group of key / value pairs: ('post_type' => 'post')

Is there a list of the keys that can be used here. Is there a name for these key / value pairs.

Answer 1

Is there a list of the keys that can be used here. Is there a name for these key / value pairs.

The "list" is in the Codex on the WP_Query page or you can just check the source.

I don't know what kind of "name" you are looking for. Other that "key/value" I'd call them "arguments" or "parameters" (as does the Codex). I really don't understand that part of the question.