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Connecting Objects

Overview​

AnyDB has exactly two ways to connect objects:

  1. Child Objects - place one object inside another (parent → child)
  2. Link - connect one object to another (reference)

Child Objects: placing objects inside other objects​

A parent object can contain other child objects. This creates one object with many related parts.

Think of it as:

  • something that belongs to the parent
  • something that lives inside the parent

Examples:

  • order lines inside an order
  • tasks inside a project
  • inspection records inside a job

AnyDB What does an Object Contain

In AnyDB, child objects are shown either:

  • inside a Children Records cell
  • or in the Children tab

AnyDB Child Objects

A link connects one object to another without placing it inside.

Think of it as:

  • one object pointing to another
  • something being used, not owned

Examples:

  • an order linked to a customer
  • a project linked to a vendor
  • a record linked to a product

Linked objects:

  • exist independently
  • can be reused in many places
  • are not deleted when other objects are removed

Linked Record Concept

To create a link, add a Reference cell.

Linked Record Example

When to use which​

Ask:

Should this object be able to exist without having a parent object?

  • If yes → Link
  • If no → Child Object

This is the simplest way to model relationships in AnyDB.