---
id: "relationship-references"
type: "concept"
title: "Stored relationship references"
summary: "Records store relationship references that point at targets under a definition."
problem: "Without stored refs, graphs cannot be rebuilt or verified."
why: "References are the durable facts; definitions are the schema."
mentalModel: "Record holds refs typed by definition id."
audiences: ["developers"]
prerequisites: ["relationship-definitions"]
related: ["resolved-unresolved"]
---
# Stored relationship references

Records store relationship references that point at targets under a definition.

## Problem

Without stored refs, graphs cannot be rebuilt or verified.

## Why

References are the durable facts; definitions are the schema.

## Mental model

Record holds refs typed by definition id.