Reference Glossary Definition

A reference is a source or pointer that helps readers locate supporting information, verify a claim, or consult related material.

References is a Database design concept used to identify rows, enforce rules, or define relationships among stored data.

References may appear as citations, bibliographies, cross-references, links, standards, manuals, or supporting documentation, depending on the content type.

Designers use this concept when enforcing uniqueness, relationships, referential integrity, and valid data states.

Related concepts include Foreign Key and Table.