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Copyright (c) 2025 Software Tree
Demonstrates one-to-one and one-to-many BYVALUE relationships with advanced query capabilities
Gilhari is a Docker-compatible microservice framework that provides RESTful Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) functionality for JSON objects with any relational database.
Remarkably, Gilhari automates REST APIs (POST, GET, PUT, DELETE, etc.) handling, JSON CRUD operations, and database schema setup — no manual coding required.
This repository contains an example showing how to configure Gilhari to handle both one-to-one and one-to-many relationships using BYVALUE (containment) semantics, along with advanced query capabilities including path expressions and GraphQL-like projections.
The example uses the base Gilhari docker image (softwaretree/gilhari) to easily create a new docker image (gilhari_relationships_example) that can run as a RESTful microservice (server) to persist app specific JSON objects with relational mappings.
This example can be used standalone as a RESTful microservice or optionally with the ORMCP Server.
Related:
- ORMCP Documentation: https://github.com/softwaretree/ormcp-docs
- ORMCP/Gilhari Examples: https://github.com/softwaretree/ormcp-docs#examples - Comprehensive list of examples
Note: This example is also included in the Gilhari SDK distribution. If you have the SDK installed, you can use it directly from the examples/gilhari_relationships_example directory without cloning.
The example showcases a JSON object model with three types of objects: A, B, and C
Object Model Overview:
- A: Parent object that contains both a B object and an array of C objects
- B: Child object contained by A (one-to-one relationship)
- C: Child object contained by A (one-to-many relationship via array)
- Attributes:
- A: aId (int), aString (string), aBoolean (boolean), aFloat (double), aDate (long/milliseconds), aB (B object), aCs (array of C objects)
- B: bId (int), aId (int - parent reference), bInt (int), bString (string)
- C: cId (int), aId (int - parent reference), cInt (int), cString (string)
- Database Tables: A, B, C
This example demonstrates BYVALUE (containment) relationships with advanced querying:
Relationship Patterns:
- One-to-one: Each A object contains exactly one B object (aB attribute)
- One-to-many: Each A object contains an array of C objects (aCs attribute)
- BYVALUE semantics: Child objects (B and C) are contained within parent (A)
- When an A object is deleted, its contained B and C objects are also deleted
- Child objects are typically created and manipulated through their parent
Advanced Query Capabilities:
- Path expressions: Query parent objects based on child object attributes (e.g.,
jdxObject.aB.bInt>100) - Projections: Select specific attributes using
operationDetailsparameter - Selective following: Control which relationships to include in shallow queries using
followoperation - Shallow vs deep queries: Use
deep=falseto exclude relationships, or selectively include them
Configuration:
See config/gilhari_relationships_example.jdx for how to configure BYVALUE relationships with one-to-one and one-to-many patterns.
{
"aId": 1,
"aString": "aString_1",
"aBoolean": true,
"aFloat": 1.1,
"aDate": 347184000001,
"aB": {
"bId": 100,
"aId": 1,
"bInt": 100,
"bString": "bString_1"
},
"aCs": [
{
"cId": 1000,
"aId": 1,
"cInt": 100,
"cString": "cString_1"
},
{
"cId": 2000,
"aId": 1,
"cInt": 200,
"cString": "cString_2"
}
]
}{
"bId": 100,
"aId": 1,
"bInt": 100,
"bString": "bString_1"
}{
"cId": 1000,
"aId": 1,
"cInt": 100,
"cString": "cString_1"
}gilhari_relationships_example/
├── src/ # Container domain model classes
│ └── com/softwaretree/... # A.java, B.java, C.java
├── config/ # Configuration files
│ ├── gilhari_relationships_example.jdx # ORM specification with BYVALUE relationships
│ └── classnames_map_example.js
├── bin/ # Compiled .class files
├── Dockerfile # Docker image definition
├── gilhari_service.config # Service configuration
├── compile.cmd / .sh # Compilation scripts
├── build.cmd / .sh # Docker build scripts
├── run_docker_app.cmd / .sh # Docker run scripts
├── curlCommands.cmd / .sh # API testing scripts
└── curlCommandsPopulate.cmd / .sh # Sample data population scripts
The src directory contains the declarations of the underlying shell (container) classes (e.g., A, B, C) that are used to define the object-relational mapping (ORM) specification for the corresponding conceptual domain-specific JSON object model classes:
- A, B, and C classes: Simple shell (container) classes (.java files) corresponding to the domain-specific JSON object model classes of related entities (Container domain model classes)
- JDX_JSONObject: Base class of the container domain model classes for handling persistence of domain-specific JSON objects
- Container domain model classes: Only need to define two constructors, with most processing handled by the JDX_JSONObject superclass
Note: Gilhari does not require any explicit programmatic definitions (e.g., ES6 style JavaScript classes) for domain-specific JSON object model classes. It handles the data of domain-specific JSON objects using instances of the container domain model classes and the ORM specification.
A declarative ORM specification for the domain-specific JSON object model classes and their attributes is defined in config/gilhari_relationships_example.jdx using the container domain model classes. This file defines the mappings between JSON objects and database tables, including BYVALUE relationship configurations.
Key points:
- Update the database URL and JDBC driver in this file according to your setup
- See
JDX_DATABASE_JDBC_DRIVER_Specification_Guide(.md or .html) for guides on configuring different databases - The container domain model classes (like A, B, C) corresponding to the conceptual domain-specific JSON object model classes are defined as subclasses of the JDX_JSONObject class
- Appropriate mappings for the domain-specific JSON object model classes are defined in the ORM specification file using the corresponding container domain model classes
- BYVALUE relationship configuration establishes containment semantics where child objects are owned by their parent
For comprehensive details on defining and using container classes and the ORM specification for JSON object models, refer to the "Persisting JSON Objects" section in the JDX User Manual.
The key to this example is in the ORM specification file (config/gilhari_relationships_example.jdx), where relationships are configured using BYVALUE semantics.
One-to-One Relationship (A to B):
CLASS .A TABLE A
...
RELATIONSHIP aB REFERENCES .B BYVALUE REFERENCED_KEY parentId WITH aId
;
CLASS .B TABLE B
VIRTUAL_ATTRIB bId ATTRIB_TYPE int
VIRTUAL_ATTRIB aId ATTRIB_TYPE int
...
PRIMARY_KEY bId
REFERENCE_KEY parentId aId
;
One-to-Many Relationship (A to C array):
CLASS .A TABLE A
...
RELATIONSHIP aCs REFERENCES ArrayC BYVALUE WITH aId
;
CLASS .C TABLE C
VIRTUAL_ATTRIB cId ATTRIB_TYPE int
VIRTUAL_ATTRIB aId ATTRIB_TYPE int
...
PRIMARY_KEY cId
;
COLLECTION_CLASS ArrayC COLLECTION_TYPE ARRAY ELEMENT_CLASS .C
PRIMARY_KEY aId
;
BYVALUE Semantics:
- Child objects (B and C) are contained within their parent (A)
- Deleting an A object also deletes its contained B and C objects
- Objects are typically managed as a unit through the parent
Note: The .jdx file includes commented examples of caching configurations for performance optimization.
The Dockerfile builds a RESTful Gilhari microservice using:
- Base Gilhari image (softwaretree/gilhari)
- Compiled domain model (.class) files
- Configuration files including the ORM specification and a JDBC driver
The gilhari_service.config file specifies runtime parameters for the RESTful Gilhari microservice:
{
"gilhari_microservice_name": "gilhari_relationships_example",
"jdx_orm_spec_file": "./config/gilhari_relationships_example.jdx",
"jdbc_driver_path": "/node/node_modules/jdxnode/external_libs/sqlite-jdbc-3.50.3.0.jar",
"jdx_debug_level": 5,
"jdx_force_create_schema": "true",
"jdx_persistent_classes_location": "./bin",
"classnames_map_file": "config/classnames_map_example.js",
"gilhari_rest_server_port": 8081
}| Parameter | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
gilhari_microservice_name |
Optional name to identify this Gilhari microservice. The name is logged on console during start up | - |
jdx_orm_spec_file |
Location of the ORM specification file containing mapping for persistent classes | - |
jdbc_driver_path |
Path to the JDBC driver (.jar) file. SQLite driver included by default | - |
jdx_debug_level |
Debug output level (0-5). 0 = most verbose, 5 = minimal. Level 3 outputs all SQL statements | 5 |
jdx_force_create_schema |
Whether to recreate database schema on each run. true = useful for development, false = create only once |
false |
jdx_persistent_classes_location |
Root location for compiled persistent (Container domain model) classes. Can be a directory (e.g., ./bin) or a JAR file path. Used as a Java CLASSPATH | - |
classnames_map_file |
Optional JSON file that can map names of container domain model classes to (simpler) object class (type) names (e.g., by omitting a package name) to simplify REST URL | - |
gilhari_rest_server_port |
Port number for the RESTful service. This port number may be mapped to different port number (e.g., 80) by a docker run command. | 8081 |
compile.cmd/compile.sh: Compiles the container domain model classessources.txt: Lists the names of the container domain model class source (.java) files for compilationbuild.cmd/build.sh: Creates the Gilhari Docker image (gilhari_relationships_example) using the local Dockerfile
Note: Compilation targets JDK version 1.8, which is compatible with the current Gilhari version.
If you just want to see this example in action without modifications:
- Clone this repository (pre-compiled classes included)
- Install Docker
- Build and run (skip compilation step)
If you want to modify the object model or create your own Gilhari microservices:
- Gilhari SDK: Download and install from https://softwaretree.com
- JX_HOME environment variable: Set to the root directory of your Gilhari SDK installation
- Java Development Kit (JDK 1.8+) for compilation
- Docker installed on your system
Note: The Gilhari SDK contains necessary libraries (JARs) and base classes required for compiling container domain model classes. While pre-compiled .class files are included in this repository for immediate use, you'll need the SDK to make any modifications to the object model or to create your own Gilhari microservices.
Skip compilation and go straight to Docker:
# Windows
build.cmd
run_docker_app.cmd
# Linux/Mac
./build.sh
./run_docker_app.shIf you've made changes to the source code:
-
Ensure JX_HOME is set to your Gilhari SDK installation directory
-
Compile the classes:
# Windows compile.cmd # Linux/Mac ./compile.sh
-
Build and run the Docker container:
# Windows build.cmd run_docker_app.cmd # Linux/Mac ./build.sh ./run_docker_app.sh
Once running, access the Gilhari microservice at:
http://localhost:<port>/gilhari/v1/:className
Example endpoints:
http://localhost:80/gilhari/v1/A
http://localhost:80/gilhari/v1/B
http://localhost:80/gilhari/v1/C
http://localhost:80/gilhari/v1/health/check
| Method | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| GET | Retrieve objects | GET /gilhari/v1/A |
| POST | Create objects | POST /gilhari/v1/A |
| PUT | Update objects | PUT /gilhari/v1/A |
| PATCH | Partial update | PATCH /gilhari/v1/A |
| DELETE | Delete objects | DELETE /gilhari/v1/A |
Create A object with contained B and C objects:
curl -X POST http://localhost:80/gilhari/v1/A \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{
"entity": {
"aId": 1,
"aString": "aString_1",
"aBoolean": true,
"aFloat": 1.1,
"aDate": 347184000001,
"aB": {
"bId": 100,
"aId": 1,
"bInt": 100,
"bString": "bString_1"
},
"aCs": [
{
"cId": 1000,
"aId": 1,
"cInt": 100,
"cString": "cString_1"
},
{
"cId": 2000,
"aId": 1,
"cInt": 200,
"cString": "cString_2"
}
]
}
}'Query all A objects (deep - includes B and C):
curl -X GET "http://localhost:80/gilhari/v1/A" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json"Shallow query (exclude relationships):
curl -X GET "http://localhost:80/gilhari/v1/A?deep=false" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json"Query with path expression (filter by child attribute):
curl -X GET "http://localhost:80/gilhari/v1/A?filter=jdxObject.aB.bInt>100" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json"Shallow query with selective follow (include only aB):
curl -G "http://localhost:80/gilhari/v1/A" \
--data-urlencode "deep=false" \
--data-urlencode 'operationDetails=[{"opType": "follow", "references": ["A", "aB"]}]' \
-H "Content-Type: application/json"Projections with selective attributes:
curl -G "http://localhost:80/gilhari/v1/A" \
--data-urlencode "deep=false" \
--data-urlencode 'operationDetails=[{"opType": "projections", "projectionsDetails": [{"type": "A", "attribs": ["aId", "aString"]}]}]' \
-H "Content-Type: application/json"Combined projections and follow:
curl -G "http://localhost:80/gilhari/v1/A" \
--data-urlencode "deep=false" \
--data-urlencode 'operationDetails=[{"opType": "projections", "projectionsDetails": [{"type": "A", "attribs": ["aId", "aString"]}]}, {"opType": "follow", "references": ["A", "aB"]}]' \
-H "Content-Type: application/json"Delete A object (cascades to B and C):
curl -X DELETE "http://localhost:80/gilhari/v1/A?filter=aId=1"Comprehensive test scripts:
-
curlCommands.cmd / .sh - Complete demonstration of relationship operations
Demonstrates:
- Health check endpoint
- Creating A objects with and without contained objects
- Deep and shallow queries
- Path expressions for filtering
- Cascading deletes (BYVALUE behavior)
- Aggregate operations
-
curlCommandsPopulate.cmd / .sh - Advanced query demonstrations
Demonstrates:
- All features from curlCommands
- Sample data population
- Projections using
operationDetailsfor selecting specific attributes - Selective follow operations to include only specific relationships
- Combined operations (projections + follow)
- MaxObjects parameter for limiting results
Run the scripts to generate a curl.log file with all responses:
# Windows
curlCommands.cmd
curlCommandsPopulate.cmd
# Linux/Mac
chmod +x curlCommands.sh curlCommandsPopulate.sh
./curlCommands.sh
./curlCommandsPopulate.sh
# Custom port
curlCommands.cmd 8899
curlCommandsPopulate.sh 8899The scripts will create a curl.log file with all the API responses, demonstrating relationship management and advanced query capabilities including path expressions, projections, and selective following.
Note: The operationDetails parameter in a query allows you to fine-tune query operations with operational directives similar to GraphQL capabilities. It accepts a JSON array containing one or more operation directives that refine the shape and scope of returned objects. For more details, see operationDetails_doc.md.
Other options:
- Postman: Import the endpoints for interactive testing
- Browser: Access GET endpoints directly
- Any REST Client: Standard HTTP methods work with any REST client
- ORMCP Server (optional): Use ORMCP Server tools for AI-powered interactions
This Gilhari microservice can be used with the ORMCP Server for AI-powered database interactions:
- Start this Gilhari microservice (as shown in Quick Start)
- Configure ORMCP Server to connect to this microservice endpoint
- Use ORMCP tools to query and manipulate A, B, and C objects through natural language
The ORMCP Server will automatically handle the relationship navigation and understand the BYVALUE containment semantics.
For more information on ORMCP Server:
- ORMCP Documentation: https://github.com/softwaretree/ormcp-docs
- ORMCP/Gilhari Examples: https://github.com/softwaretree/ormcp-docs#examples
- Product Website: https://www.softwaretree.com/products/ormcp/
Shell into a running container:
# Find container ID
docker ps
# Access container
docker exec -it <container-id> bashdocker logs <container-id>docker stop <container-id>- JDX User Manual: "Persisting JSON Objects" section for detailed ORM specification documentation
- Gilhari SDK Documentation: The SDK available for download at https://softwaretree.com
- ORMCP Documentation: https://github.com/softwaretree/ormcp-docs
- Database Configuration Guide: See
JDX_DATABASE_JDBC_DRIVER_Specification_Guide.md - operationDetails Documentation: See
operationDetails_doc.mdfor GraphQL-like query capabilities
Script files are provided for both Windows (.cmd) and Linux/Mac (.sh).
Linux/Mac users: Make scripts executable before running:
chmod +x *.shProblem: Docker image build fails
- Solution: Ensure the base Gilhari image is pulled:
docker pull softwaretree/gilhari
Problem: Compilation errors
- Solution: Verify JDK 1.8+ is installed and JX_HOME environment variable is set correctly
Problem: Port 80 already in use
- Solution: Modify
run_docker_appscript to use a different port (e.g.,-p 8080:8081)
Problem: Database connection errors
- Solution: Check
config/gilhari_relationships_example.jdxfor correct database URL and JDBC driver path
Problem: Child objects (B, C) not deleted when parent (A) is deleted
- Solution: This example uses BYVALUE semantics - child objects should be deleted. Verify the ORM specification has BYVALUE configured for the relationships
Problem: Path expressions not working (e.g., jdxObject.aB.bInt>100)
- Solution: Ensure the path expression syntax is correct and properly URL-encoded. The
jdxObjectprefix is required for navigating relationships
Problem: Projections or follow operations not working
- Solution: Ensure the
operationDetailsparameter is properly URL-encoded. Use--data-urlencodewith curl
For issues or questions:
- ORMCP Documentation & Issues: https://github.com/softwaretree/ormcp-docs/issues
- This example: https://github.com/SoftwareTree/gilhari_relationships_example/issues
- Gilhari SDK: Contact support at gilhari_support@softwaretree.com
This example code is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.
Important: This license applies ONLY to the example code in this repository. The Gilhari software (including the softwaretree/gilhari Docker image and Gilhari SDK) and the embedded JDX ORM software are proprietary products owned by Software Tree.
The Gilhari Docker image includes an evaluation license for testing purposes. For production use or licensing beyond the evaluation period, please visit https://www.softwaretree.com or contact gilhari_support@softwaretree.com.
Ready to try it? Start with the Quick Start section above!