Final answer:
A developer can enable end users to filter data on a related list by configuring the object's related list to add a filter directly through the related list settings, which is a user-friendly method that requires no additional coding.
Step-by-step explanation:
To enable end users to filter data displayed on the related list of an object detail page in a Salesforce environment, one of the easiest approaches is to configure the object's related list to add a filter. This can typically be done through the Page Layout or Related List Quick Links settings depending on the version and customization of your Salesforce instance. This approach allows end users to apply filters directly within the related list section without the need for additional coding or customization.
While alternatives such as creating a Visualforce page or customizing the search filter fields layout could provide a more advanced or tailored filtering mechanism, these options may require more development effort and maintenance. Likewise, enabling Advanced Search on the related list could provide powerful search capabilities but might not directly address the needs for filtering and sorting within the context of a related list on an object detail page. Therefore, configuring the related list within its settings is considered best practice for achieving this functionality in a straightforward and user-friendly manner.