Ref

type Ref<T, Nullable, IncludeVirtualProps> = T extends unknown ? RefBranch<T, Nullable, IncludeVirtualProps> : never;

Defined in: packages/db/src/query/builder/types.ts:902

Ref - The user-facing ref interface for the query builder

This is a clean type that represents a reference to a value in the query, designed for optimal IDE experience without internal implementation details. It provides a recursive interface that allows nested property access while preserving optionality and nullability correctly.

The Nullable parameter indicates whether this ref comes from a nullable join side (left/right/full). When true, the Nullable flag propagates through all nested property accesses, ensuring the result type includes | undefined for all fields accessed through this ref.

Inferred row-root refs include virtual properties ($hasPendingWrites, $origin, $key, $collectionId) for querying on row metadata. The default exported Ref<T> shape is suitable for reusable helpers that can accept either a row root or a recursively traversed user object, so it does not require those fields. Use Ref<T, false, true> when a helper specifically requires a row root.

Example usage:

// Clean interface - no internal properties visible
const users: Ref<{ id: number; profile?: { bio: string } }> = { ... }
users.id // Ref<number> - clean display
users.profile?.bio // Ref<string> - nested optional access works
const rootUsers: Ref<{ id: number }, false, true> = { ... }
rootUsers.$hasPendingWrites // RefLeaf<boolean> - row-root virtual property access

// Nullable ref (left/right/full join side):
select(({ dept }) => ({ name: dept.name })) // result: string | undefined

// Spread operations work cleanly:
select(({ user }) => ({ ...user })) // Returns User type, not Ref types