"What" is used to ask about the name, nature, description or choice of things.
You can check the following table to understand how to operate and what to operate:
The difference between how and what: difference 1: different usage-how: used to ask about the way, method, degree, situation or situation.
? Example:-How do you bake a cake? How do you bake a cake? )
-How much do you need? How much do you need? )
-What: Used to ask about the name, nature, description or choice of things.
? Example:-What's your favorite color? What's your favorite color? )
-What time does the meeting start? When is the meeting? )
Difference 2: the content of the answer is different-how: the answer is usually a description of a certain way, method, degree or situation.
? Example:-How do you make spaghetti? How do you make spaghetti? )
I cook spaghetti with salt water and then add the sauce. )
-How much time do you need to finish this project? How much time do you need to finish this project? )
I think I need about two weeks. I think I need about two weeks. )
-What: The answer is usually the name, nature or specific content of the description.
? What is this book about? What is this book about? )
A: This is a novel about a detective solving a mystery. )
What time does the movie start? What time does the movie start? )
Answer: The movie starts at 7 pm. The movie starts at 7 pm. )
Difference 3: verb collocation is different-how: usually used with verb expression behavior or way.
? Example:-How do you swim? How do you swim? )
-How did he study for the exam? How did he prepare for the exam? )
-What: usually used with verbs to indicate something or behavior.
? Example:-What do you like for breakfast? What do you like for breakfast? )
-What does she do? What does she do? )
How: Usually used to ask someone how to do something.
? Example:-How does he play the guitar? How does he play the guitar? )
-How did they fix the car? How do they repair cars? )
-What: Usually used to ask someone what they like or choose.
? Example:-What would you like to drink? what would you like to drink? )
-What does she want for her birthday? What does she want for her birthday? )