jQuery syntax: # symbol
===

This piece of code - defined in a javascript function - is perplexing me...

	var defaultsortoption=decodeuricomponent(getParameter("v1",$('#defaultsort').val()));

I admit to being a novice with javascript and jQuery.  I've done some homework and figured out what the selector refers to (#defaultsort), and I see the API for the decodeuricomponent function.  However, the getParameter() method is stumping me.

The code would reside on a Sharepoint 2010 aspx page.  Yet I don't see getParameter defined as a custom function there, nor do I find it defined as a javascript function, or jQuery.

If anyone can shed light on what this function might be, I'd be obliged.  And thank you!

Regards,

Paul