Links-Based Fields in SomaDB

Links-based fields create relationships between records and tables, enabling you to build connected databases and maintain referential integrity. These fields are essential for creating relational data structures.

Links-Based Field Types

Links

• Use Case: Connect records between tables
• Features: Create many-to-many relationships
• Validation: Link to existing records only

Lookup

• Use Case: Display related data from linked records
• Features: Show fields from linked records
• Validation: Automatically updates when linked data changes

Rollup

• Use Case: Aggregate data from linked records
• Features: Calculate sums, counts, averages from linked data
• Validation: Automatic calculation based on linked records

Key Features

• Relationship Management: Create and manage table relationships
• Data Integrity: Maintain referential integrity
• Automatic Updates: Linked data updates automatically
• Aggregation: Calculate values from related records

Best Practices

• Plan your relationships carefully
• Use descriptive field names for links
• Consider performance with large datasets
• Use rollups for calculated fields
• Use lookups to display related information

Next Steps

Explore each links-based field type to learn more about their specific features and use cases.