---
id: "define-traverse-relationship"
type: "guide"
title: "Define and traverse a relationship"
summary: "Author a definition, store a reference, traverse forward/inverse."
why: "Traversal is only predictable with explicit definitions."
audiences: ["developers"]
related: ["relationship-definitions", "traversal"]
---
# Define and traverse a relationship

Author a definition, store a reference, traverse forward/inverse.

## Why this path

Traversal is only predictable with explicit definitions.

## Steps

1. **Author relationship definition** — Definition installed
2. **Store relationship reference** — Ref on record
3. **Traverse with chosen direction** — Targets returned

## Verification

- Forward and inverse match the definition