Relations Between Objects ​

Realith must not read objects as isolated blocks. Objects receive network meaning not only through structure, but also through relations with other objects.

What a relation is ​

A relation is a typed link between objects.

It may express, for example:

• origin;
• composition;
• dependency;
• confirmation;
• nesting;
• derivation;
• belonging to a context;
• a link to evidentiary material.

But the admissibility and meaning of such links must not be wholly arbitrary. They must be compatible with the structures of the objects they connect.

Why relations belong to the canon ​

If relations are relegated to external reconstruction, parties will again be forced to reconcile separately not only the current form of the object, but also the map of its origin, composition, and dependencies.

Realith maintains a different position: relations that matter for coordination must enter the canon to the degree required by the model.

What this changes ​

Because of this, the network can hold not only separate objects, but also:

• derived lines;
• composite configurations;
• confirming relations;
• causal dependencies between addressable units.

This is what makes the object model suitable for inter-subject coordination, rather than only for local record storage.