feat(preload): ✨ Enhance recursive preload functionality

* Increase maximum recursion depth from 4 to 8.
* Generate FK-based relation names for child preloads using RelatedKey.
* Clear WHERE clause for recursive preloads to prevent filtering issues.
* Extend child relations to recursive levels for better data retrieval.
* Add integration tests to validate recursive preload behavior and structure.

pkg/restheadspec/handler.go

@@ -938,21 +938,57 @@ func (h *Handler) applyPreloadWithRecursion(query common.SelectQuery, preload co
 	})
 
 	// Handle recursive preloading
-	if preload.Recursive && depth < 4 {
+	if preload.Recursive && depth < 8 {
 		logger.Debug("Applying recursive preload for %s at depth %d", preload.Relation, depth+1)
 
-		// For recursive relationships, we need to get the last part of the relation path
-		// e.g., "MastertaskItems" -> "MastertaskItems.MastertaskItems"
 		relationParts := strings.Split(preload.Relation, ".")
 		lastRelationName := relationParts[len(relationParts)-1]
 
-		// Create a recursive preload with the same configuration
-		// but with the relation path extended
-		recursivePreload := preload
-		recursivePreload.Relation = preload.Relation + "." + lastRelationName
+		// Generate FK-based relation name for children
+		recursiveRelationName := lastRelationName
+		if preload.RelatedKey != "" {
+			// Convert "rid_parentmastertaskitem" to "RID_PARENTMASTERTASKITEM"
+			fkUpper := strings.ToUpper(preload.RelatedKey)
+			recursiveRelationName = lastRelationName + "_" + fkUpper
+			logger.Debug("Generated recursive relation name from RelatedKey: %s (from %s)",
+				recursiveRelationName, preload.RelatedKey)
+		} else {
+			logger.Warn("Recursive preload for %s has no RelatedKey, falling back to %s.%s",
+				preload.Relation, preload.Relation, lastRelationName)
+		}
 
-		// Recursively apply preload until we reach depth 5
+		// Create recursive preload
+		recursivePreload := preload
+		recursivePreload.Relation = preload.Relation + "." + recursiveRelationName
+		recursivePreload.Recursive = false // Prevent infinite recursion at this level
+
+		// CRITICAL: Clear parent's WHERE clause - let Bun use FK traversal
+		recursivePreload.Where = ""
+		recursivePreload.Filters = []common.FilterOption{}
+		logger.Debug("Cleared WHERE clause for recursive preload %s at depth %d",
+			recursivePreload.Relation, depth+1)
+
+		// Apply recursively up to depth 8
 		query = h.applyPreloadWithRecursion(query, recursivePreload, allPreloads, model, depth+1)
+
+		// ALSO: Extend any child relations (like DEF) to recursive levels
+		baseRelation := preload.Relation + "."
+		for i := range allPreloads {
+			relatedPreload := allPreloads[i]
+			if strings.HasPrefix(relatedPreload.Relation, baseRelation) &&
+				!strings.Contains(strings.TrimPrefix(relatedPreload.Relation, baseRelation), ".") {
+				childRelationName := strings.TrimPrefix(relatedPreload.Relation, baseRelation)
+
+				extendedChildPreload := relatedPreload
+				extendedChildPreload.Relation = recursivePreload.Relation + "." + childRelationName
+				extendedChildPreload.Recursive = false
+
+				logger.Debug("Extending related preload '%s' to '%s' at recursive depth %d",
+					relatedPreload.Relation, extendedChildPreload.Relation, depth+1)
+
+				query = h.applyPreloadWithRecursion(query, extendedChildPreload, allPreloads, model, depth+1)
+			}
+		}
 	}
 
 	return query

pkg/restheadspec/recursive_preload_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,391 @@
+//go:build !integration
+// +build !integration
+
+package restheadspec
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/bitechdev/ResolveSpec/pkg/common"
+)
+
+// TestRecursivePreloadClearsWhereClause tests that recursive preloads
+// correctly clear the WHERE clause from the parent level to allow
+// Bun to use foreign key relationships for loading children
+func TestRecursivePreloadClearsWhereClause(t *testing.T) {
+	// Create a mock handler
+	handler := &Handler{}
+
+	// Create a preload option with a WHERE clause that filters root items
+	// This simulates the xfiles use case where the first level has a filter
+	// like "rid_parentmastertaskitem is null" to get root items
+	preload := common.PreloadOption{
+		Relation:   "MastertaskItems",
+		Recursive:  true,
+		RelatedKey: "rid_parentmastertaskitem",
+		Where:      "rid_parentmastertaskitem is null",
+		Filters: []common.FilterOption{
+			{
+				Column:   "rid_parentmastertaskitem",
+				Operator: "is null",
+				Value:    nil,
+			},
+		},
+	}
+
+	// Create a mock query that tracks operations
+	mockQuery := &mockSelectQuery{
+		operations: []string{},
+	}
+
+	// Apply the recursive preload at depth 0
+	// This should:
+	// 1. Apply the initial preload with the WHERE clause
+	// 2. Create a recursive preload without the WHERE clause
+	allPreloads := []common.PreloadOption{preload}
+	result := handler.applyPreloadWithRecursion(mockQuery, preload, allPreloads, nil, 0)
+
+	// Verify the mock query received the operations
+	mock := result.(*mockSelectQuery)
+
+	// Check that we have at least 2 PreloadRelation calls:
+	// 1. The initial "MastertaskItems" with WHERE clause
+	// 2. The recursive "MastertaskItems.MastertaskItems_RID_PARENTMASTERTASKITEM" without WHERE clause
+	preloadCount := 0
+	recursivePreloadFound := false
+	whereAppliedToRecursive := false
+
+	for _, op := range mock.operations {
+		if op == "PreloadRelation:MastertaskItems" {
+			preloadCount++
+		}
+		if op == "PreloadRelation:MastertaskItems.MastertaskItems_RID_PARENTMASTERTASKITEM" {
+			recursivePreloadFound = true
+		}
+		// Check if WHERE was applied to the recursive preload (it shouldn't be)
+		if op == "Where:rid_parentmastertaskitem is null" && recursivePreloadFound {
+			whereAppliedToRecursive = true
+		}
+	}
+
+	if preloadCount < 1 {
+		t.Errorf("Expected at least 1 PreloadRelation call, got %d", preloadCount)
+	}
+
+	if !recursivePreloadFound {
+		t.Errorf("Expected recursive preload 'MastertaskItems.MastertaskItems_RID_PARENTMASTERTASKITEM' to be created. Operations: %v", mock.operations)
+	}
+
+	if whereAppliedToRecursive {
+		t.Error("WHERE clause should not be applied to recursive preload levels")
+	}
+}
+
+// TestRecursivePreloadWithChildRelations tests that child relations
+// (like DEF in MAL.DEF) are properly extended to recursive levels
+func TestRecursivePreloadWithChildRelations(t *testing.T) {
+	handler := &Handler{}
+
+	// Create the main recursive preload
+	recursivePreload := common.PreloadOption{
+		Relation:   "MAL",
+		Recursive:  true,
+		RelatedKey: "rid_parentmastertaskitem",
+		Where:      "rid_parentmastertaskitem is null",
+	}
+
+	// Create a child relation that should be extended
+	childPreload := common.PreloadOption{
+		Relation: "MAL.DEF",
+	}
+
+	mockQuery := &mockSelectQuery{
+		operations: []string{},
+	}
+
+	allPreloads := []common.PreloadOption{recursivePreload, childPreload}
+
+	// Apply both preloads - the child preload should be extended when the recursive one processes
+	result := handler.applyPreloadWithRecursion(mockQuery, recursivePreload, allPreloads, nil, 0)
+
+	// Also need to apply the child preload separately (as would happen in normal flow)
+	result = handler.applyPreloadWithRecursion(result, childPreload, allPreloads, nil, 0)
+
+	mock := result.(*mockSelectQuery)
+
+	// Check that the child relation was extended to recursive levels
+	// We should see:
+	// - MAL (with WHERE)
+	// - MAL.DEF
+	// - MAL.MAL_RID_PARENTMASTERTASKITEM (without WHERE)
+	// - MAL.MAL_RID_PARENTMASTERTASKITEM.DEF (extended by recursive logic)
+	foundMALDEF := false
+	foundRecursiveMAL := false
+	foundMALMALDEF := false
+
+	for _, op := range mock.operations {
+		if op == "PreloadRelation:MAL.DEF" {
+			foundMALDEF = true
+		}
+		if op == "PreloadRelation:MAL.MAL_RID_PARENTMASTERTASKITEM" {
+			foundRecursiveMAL = true
+		}
+		if op == "PreloadRelation:MAL.MAL_RID_PARENTMASTERTASKITEM.DEF" {
+			foundMALMALDEF = true
+		}
+	}
+
+	if !foundMALDEF {
+		t.Errorf("Expected child preload 'MAL.DEF' to be applied. Operations: %v", mock.operations)
+	}
+
+	if !foundRecursiveMAL {
+		t.Errorf("Expected recursive preload 'MAL.MAL_RID_PARENTMASTERTASKITEM' to be created. Operations: %v", mock.operations)
+	}
+
+	if !foundMALMALDEF {
+		t.Errorf("Expected child preload to be extended to 'MAL.MAL_RID_PARENTMASTERTASKITEM.DEF' at recursive level. Operations: %v", mock.operations)
+	}
+}
+
+// TestRecursivePreloadGeneratesCorrectRelationName tests that the recursive
+// preload generates the correct FK-based relation name using RelatedKey
+func TestRecursivePreloadGeneratesCorrectRelationName(t *testing.T) {
+	handler := &Handler{}
+
+	// Test case 1: With RelatedKey - should generate FK-based name
+	t.Run("WithRelatedKey", func(t *testing.T) {
+		preload := common.PreloadOption{
+			Relation:   "MAL",
+			Recursive:  true,
+			RelatedKey: "rid_parentmastertaskitem",
+		}
+
+		mockQuery := &mockSelectQuery{operations: []string{}}
+		allPreloads := []common.PreloadOption{preload}
+		result := handler.applyPreloadWithRecursion(mockQuery, preload, allPreloads, nil, 0)
+
+		mock := result.(*mockSelectQuery)
+
+		// Should generate MAL.MAL_RID_PARENTMASTERTASKITEM
+		foundCorrectRelation := false
+		foundIncorrectRelation := false
+
+		for _, op := range mock.operations {
+			if op == "PreloadRelation:MAL.MAL_RID_PARENTMASTERTASKITEM" {
+				foundCorrectRelation = true
+			}
+			if op == "PreloadRelation:MAL.MAL" {
+				foundIncorrectRelation = true
+			}
+		}
+
+		if !foundCorrectRelation {
+			t.Errorf("Expected 'MAL.MAL_RID_PARENTMASTERTASKITEM' relation, operations: %v", mock.operations)
+		}
+
+		if foundIncorrectRelation {
+			t.Error("Should NOT generate 'MAL.MAL' relation when RelatedKey is specified")
+		}
+	})
+
+	// Test case 2: Without RelatedKey - should fallback to old behavior
+	t.Run("WithoutRelatedKey", func(t *testing.T) {
+		preload := common.PreloadOption{
+			Relation:  "MAL",
+			Recursive: true,
+			// No RelatedKey
+		}
+
+		mockQuery := &mockSelectQuery{operations: []string{}}
+		allPreloads := []common.PreloadOption{preload}
+		result := handler.applyPreloadWithRecursion(mockQuery, preload, allPreloads, nil, 0)
+
+		mock := result.(*mockSelectQuery)
+
+		// Should fallback to MAL.MAL
+		foundFallback := false
+		for _, op := range mock.operations {
+			if op == "PreloadRelation:MAL.MAL" {
+				foundFallback = true
+			}
+		}
+
+		if !foundFallback {
+			t.Errorf("Expected fallback 'MAL.MAL' relation when no RelatedKey, operations: %v", mock.operations)
+		}
+	})
+
+	// Test case 3: Depth limit of 8
+	t.Run("DepthLimit", func(t *testing.T) {
+		preload := common.PreloadOption{
+			Relation:   "MAL",
+			Recursive:  true,
+			RelatedKey: "rid_parentmastertaskitem",
+		}
+
+		mockQuery := &mockSelectQuery{operations: []string{}}
+		allPreloads := []common.PreloadOption{preload}
+
+		// Start at depth 7 - should create one more level
+		result := handler.applyPreloadWithRecursion(mockQuery, preload, allPreloads, nil, 7)
+		mock := result.(*mockSelectQuery)
+
+		foundDepth8 := false
+		for _, op := range mock.operations {
+			if op == "PreloadRelation:MAL.MAL_RID_PARENTMASTERTASKITEM" {
+				foundDepth8 = true
+			}
+		}
+
+		if !foundDepth8 {
+			t.Error("Expected to create recursive level at depth 8")
+		}
+
+		// Start at depth 8 - should NOT create another level
+		mockQuery2 := &mockSelectQuery{operations: []string{}}
+		result2 := handler.applyPreloadWithRecursion(mockQuery2, preload, allPreloads, nil, 8)
+		mock2 := result2.(*mockSelectQuery)
+
+		foundDepth9 := false
+		for _, op := range mock2.operations {
+			if op == "PreloadRelation:MAL.MAL_RID_PARENTMASTERTASKITEM" {
+				foundDepth9 = true
+			}
+		}
+
+		if foundDepth9 {
+			t.Error("Should NOT create recursive level beyond depth 8")
+		}
+	})
+}
+
+// mockSelectQuery implements common.SelectQuery for testing
+type mockSelectQuery struct {
+	operations []string
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) Model(model interface{}) common.SelectQuery {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "Model")
+	return m
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) Table(table string) common.SelectQuery {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "Table:"+table)
+	return m
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) Column(columns ...string) common.SelectQuery {
+	for _, col := range columns {
+		m.operations = append(m.operations, "Column:"+col)
+	}
+	return m
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) ColumnExpr(query string, args ...interface{}) common.SelectQuery {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "ColumnExpr:"+query)
+	return m
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) Where(query string, args ...interface{}) common.SelectQuery {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "Where:"+query)
+	return m
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) WhereOr(query string, args ...interface{}) common.SelectQuery {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "WhereOr:"+query)
+	return m
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) WhereIn(column string, values interface{}) common.SelectQuery {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "WhereIn:"+column)
+	return m
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) Order(order string) common.SelectQuery {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "Order:"+order)
+	return m
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) OrderExpr(order string, args ...interface{}) common.SelectQuery {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "OrderExpr:"+order)
+	return m
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) Limit(limit int) common.SelectQuery {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "Limit")
+	return m
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) Offset(offset int) common.SelectQuery {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "Offset")
+	return m
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) Join(join string, args ...interface{}) common.SelectQuery {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "Join:"+join)
+	return m
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) LeftJoin(join string, args ...interface{}) common.SelectQuery {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "LeftJoin:"+join)
+	return m
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) Group(columns string) common.SelectQuery {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "Group")
+	return m
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) Having(query string, args ...interface{}) common.SelectQuery {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "Having:"+query)
+	return m
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) Preload(relation string, conditions ...interface{}) common.SelectQuery {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "Preload:"+relation)
+	return m
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) PreloadRelation(relation string, apply ...func(common.SelectQuery) common.SelectQuery) common.SelectQuery {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "PreloadRelation:"+relation)
+	// Apply the preload modifiers
+	for _, fn := range apply {
+		fn(m)
+	}
+	return m
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) JoinRelation(relation string, apply ...func(common.SelectQuery) common.SelectQuery) common.SelectQuery {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "JoinRelation:"+relation)
+	return m
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) Scan(ctx context.Context, dest interface{}) error {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "Scan")
+	return nil
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) ScanModel(ctx context.Context) error {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "ScanModel")
+	return nil
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) Count(ctx context.Context) (int, error) {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "Count")
+	return 0, nil
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) Exists(ctx context.Context) (bool, error) {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "Exists")
+	return false, nil
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) GetUnderlyingQuery() interface{} {
+	return nil
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) GetModel() interface{} {
+	return nil
+}

pkg/restheadspec/xfiles_integration_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,525 @@
+//go:build integration
+// +build integration
+
+package restheadspec
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/bitechdev/ResolveSpec/pkg/common"
+	"github.com/stretchr/testify/assert"
+	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
+)
+
+// mockSelectQuery implements common.SelectQuery for testing (integration version)
+type mockSelectQuery struct {
+	operations []string
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) Model(model interface{}) common.SelectQuery {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "Model")
+	return m
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) Table(table string) common.SelectQuery {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "Table:"+table)
+	return m
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) Column(columns ...string) common.SelectQuery {
+	for _, col := range columns {
+		m.operations = append(m.operations, "Column:"+col)
+	}
+	return m
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) ColumnExpr(query string, args ...interface{}) common.SelectQuery {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "ColumnExpr:"+query)
+	return m
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) Where(query string, args ...interface{}) common.SelectQuery {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "Where:"+query)
+	return m
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) WhereOr(query string, args ...interface{}) common.SelectQuery {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "WhereOr:"+query)
+	return m
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) WhereIn(column string, values interface{}) common.SelectQuery {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "WhereIn:"+column)
+	return m
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) Order(order string) common.SelectQuery {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "Order:"+order)
+	return m
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) OrderExpr(order string, args ...interface{}) common.SelectQuery {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "OrderExpr:"+order)
+	return m
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) Limit(limit int) common.SelectQuery {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "Limit")
+	return m
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) Offset(offset int) common.SelectQuery {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "Offset")
+	return m
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) Join(join string, args ...interface{}) common.SelectQuery {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "Join:"+join)
+	return m
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) LeftJoin(join string, args ...interface{}) common.SelectQuery {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "LeftJoin:"+join)
+	return m
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) Group(columns string) common.SelectQuery {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "Group")
+	return m
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) Having(query string, args ...interface{}) common.SelectQuery {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "Having:"+query)
+	return m
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) Preload(relation string, conditions ...interface{}) common.SelectQuery {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "Preload:"+relation)
+	return m
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) PreloadRelation(relation string, apply ...func(common.SelectQuery) common.SelectQuery) common.SelectQuery {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "PreloadRelation:"+relation)
+	// Apply the preload modifiers
+	for _, fn := range apply {
+		fn(m)
+	}
+	return m
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) JoinRelation(relation string, apply ...func(common.SelectQuery) common.SelectQuery) common.SelectQuery {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "JoinRelation:"+relation)
+	return m
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) Scan(ctx context.Context, dest interface{}) error {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "Scan")
+	return nil
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) ScanModel(ctx context.Context) error {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "ScanModel")
+	return nil
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) Count(ctx context.Context) (int, error) {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "Count")
+	return 0, nil
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) Exists(ctx context.Context) (bool, error) {
+	m.operations = append(m.operations, "Exists")
+	return false, nil
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) GetUnderlyingQuery() interface{} {
+	return nil
+}
+
+func (m *mockSelectQuery) GetModel() interface{} {
+	return nil
+}
+
+// TestXFilesRecursivePreload is an integration test that validates the XFiles
+// recursive preload functionality using real test data files.
+//
+// This test ensures:
+// 1. XFiles request JSON is correctly parsed into PreloadOptions
+// 2. Recursive preload generates correct FK-based relation names (MAL_RID_PARENTMASTERTASKITEM)
+// 3. Parent WHERE clauses don't leak to child levels
+// 4. Child relations (like DEF) are extended to all recursive levels
+// 5. Hierarchical data structure matches expected output
+func TestXFilesRecursivePreload(t *testing.T) {
+	// Load the XFiles request configuration
+	requestPath := filepath.Join("..", "..", "tests", "data", "xfiles.request.json")
+	requestData, err := os.ReadFile(requestPath)
+	require.NoError(t, err, "Failed to read xfiles.request.json")
+
+	var xfileConfig XFiles
+	err = json.Unmarshal(requestData, &xfileConfig)
+	require.NoError(t, err, "Failed to parse xfiles.request.json")
+
+	// Create handler and parse XFiles into PreloadOptions
+	handler := &Handler{}
+	options := &ExtendedRequestOptions{
+		RequestOptions: common.RequestOptions{
+			Preload: []common.PreloadOption{},
+		},
+	}
+
+	// Process the XFiles configuration - start with the root table
+	handler.processXFilesRelations(&xfileConfig, options, "")
+
+	// Verify that preload options were created
+	require.NotEmpty(t, options.Preload, "Expected preload options to be created")
+
+	// Test 1: Verify recursive preload option has RelatedKey set
+	t.Run("RecursivePreloadHasRelatedKey", func(t *testing.T) {
+		// Find the recursive mastertaskitem preload
+		var recursivePreload *common.PreloadOption
+		for i := range options.Preload {
+			preload := &options.Preload[i]
+			if preload.Relation == "mastertask.mastertaskitem.mastertaskitem" && preload.Recursive {
+				recursivePreload = preload
+				break
+			}
+		}
+
+		require.NotNil(t, recursivePreload, "Expected to find recursive mastertaskitem preload")
+		assert.Equal(t, "rid_parentmastertaskitem", recursivePreload.RelatedKey,
+			"Recursive preload should have RelatedKey set from xfiles config")
+		assert.True(t, recursivePreload.Recursive, "mastertaskitem preload should be marked as recursive")
+	})
+
+	// Test 2: Verify root level mastertaskitem has WHERE clause for filtering root items
+	t.Run("RootLevelHasWhereClause", func(t *testing.T) {
+		var rootPreload *common.PreloadOption
+		for i := range options.Preload {
+			preload := &options.Preload[i]
+			if preload.Relation == "mastertask.mastertaskitem" && !preload.Recursive {
+				rootPreload = preload
+				break
+			}
+		}
+
+		require.NotNil(t, rootPreload, "Expected to find root mastertaskitem preload")
+		assert.NotEmpty(t, rootPreload.Where, "Root mastertaskitem should have WHERE clause")
+		// The WHERE clause should filter for root items (rid_parentmastertaskitem is null)
+	})
+
+	// Test 3: Verify actiondefinition relation exists for mastertaskitem
+	t.Run("DEFRelationExists", func(t *testing.T) {
+		var defPreload *common.PreloadOption
+		for i := range options.Preload {
+			preload := &options.Preload[i]
+			if preload.Relation == "mastertask.mastertaskitem.actiondefinition" {
+				defPreload = preload
+				break
+			}
+		}
+
+		require.NotNil(t, defPreload, "Expected to find actiondefinition preload for mastertaskitem")
+		assert.Equal(t, "rid_actiondefinition", defPreload.ForeignKey,
+			"actiondefinition preload should have ForeignKey set")
+	})
+
+	// Test 4: Verify relation name generation with mock query
+	t.Run("RelationNameGeneration", func(t *testing.T) {
+		// Find the recursive mastertaskitem preload
+		var recursivePreload common.PreloadOption
+		found := false
+		for _, preload := range options.Preload {
+			if preload.Relation == "mastertask.mastertaskitem.mastertaskitem" && preload.Recursive {
+				recursivePreload = preload
+				found = true
+				break
+			}
+		}
+
+		require.True(t, found, "Expected to find recursive mastertaskitem preload")
+
+		// Create mock query to track operations
+		mockQuery := &mockSelectQuery{operations: []string{}}
+
+		// Apply the recursive preload
+		result := handler.applyPreloadWithRecursion(mockQuery, recursivePreload, options.Preload, nil, 0)
+		mock := result.(*mockSelectQuery)
+
+		// Verify the correct FK-based relation name was generated
+		foundCorrectRelation := false
+		foundIncorrectRelation := false
+
+		for _, op := range mock.operations {
+			// Should generate: mastertask.mastertaskitem.mastertaskitem.mastertaskitem_RID_PARENTMASTERTASKITEM
+			if op == "PreloadRelation:mastertask.mastertaskitem.mastertaskitem.mastertaskitem_RID_PARENTMASTERTASKITEM" {
+				foundCorrectRelation = true
+			}
+			// Should NOT generate: mastertask.mastertaskitem.mastertaskitem.mastertaskitem
+			if op == "PreloadRelation:mastertask.mastertaskitem.mastertaskitem.mastertaskitem" {
+				foundIncorrectRelation = true
+			}
+		}
+
+		assert.True(t, foundCorrectRelation,
+			"Expected FK-based relation name 'mastertask.mastertaskitem.mastertaskitem.mastertaskitem_RID_PARENTMASTERTASKITEM' to be generated. Operations: %v",
+			mock.operations)
+		assert.False(t, foundIncorrectRelation,
+			"Should NOT generate simple relation name when RelatedKey is set")
+	})
+
+	// Test 5: Verify WHERE clause is cleared for recursive levels
+	t.Run("WhereClauseClearedForChildren", func(t *testing.T) {
+		// Find the recursive mastertaskitem preload with WHERE clause
+		var recursivePreload common.PreloadOption
+		found := false
+		for _, preload := range options.Preload {
+			if preload.Relation == "mastertask.mastertaskitem.mastertaskitem" && preload.Recursive {
+				recursivePreload = preload
+				found = true
+				break
+			}
+		}
+
+		require.True(t, found, "Expected to find recursive mastertaskitem preload")
+
+		// The root level might have a WHERE clause
+		// But when we apply recursion, it should be cleared
+
+		mockQuery := &mockSelectQuery{operations: []string{}}
+		result := handler.applyPreloadWithRecursion(mockQuery, recursivePreload, options.Preload, nil, 0)
+		mock := result.(*mockSelectQuery)
+
+		// After the first level, WHERE clauses should not be reapplied
+		// We check that the recursive relation was created (which means WHERE was cleared internally)
+		foundRecursiveRelation := false
+		for _, op := range mock.operations {
+			if op == "PreloadRelation:mastertask.mastertaskitem.mastertaskitem.mastertaskitem_RID_PARENTMASTERTASKITEM" {
+				foundRecursiveRelation = true
+			}
+		}
+
+		assert.True(t, foundRecursiveRelation,
+			"Recursive relation should be created (WHERE clause should be cleared internally)")
+	})
+
+	// Test 6: Verify child relations are extended to recursive levels
+	t.Run("ChildRelationsExtended", func(t *testing.T) {
+		// Find both the recursive mastertaskitem and the actiondefinition preloads
+		var recursivePreload common.PreloadOption
+		foundRecursive := false
+
+		for _, preload := range options.Preload {
+			if preload.Relation == "mastertask.mastertaskitem.mastertaskitem" && preload.Recursive {
+				recursivePreload = preload
+				foundRecursive = true
+				break
+			}
+		}
+
+		require.True(t, foundRecursive, "Expected to find recursive mastertaskitem preload")
+
+		mockQuery := &mockSelectQuery{operations: []string{}}
+		result := handler.applyPreloadWithRecursion(mockQuery, recursivePreload, options.Preload, nil, 0)
+		mock := result.(*mockSelectQuery)
+
+		// actiondefinition should be extended to the recursive level
+		// Expected: mastertask.mastertaskitem.mastertaskitem.mastertaskitem_RID_PARENTMASTERTASKITEM.actiondefinition
+		foundExtendedDEF := false
+		for _, op := range mock.operations {
+			if op == "PreloadRelation:mastertask.mastertaskitem.mastertaskitem.mastertaskitem_RID_PARENTMASTERTASKITEM.actiondefinition" {
+				foundExtendedDEF = true
+			}
+		}
+
+		assert.True(t, foundExtendedDEF,
+			"Expected actiondefinition relation to be extended to recursive level. Operations: %v",
+			mock.operations)
+	})
+}
+
+// TestXFilesRecursivePreloadDepth tests that recursive preloads respect the depth limit of 8
+func TestXFilesRecursivePreloadDepth(t *testing.T) {
+	handler := &Handler{}
+
+	preload := common.PreloadOption{
+		Relation:   "MAL",
+		Recursive:  true,
+		RelatedKey: "rid_parentmastertaskitem",
+	}
+
+	allPreloads := []common.PreloadOption{preload}
+
+	t.Run("Depth7CreatesLevel8", func(t *testing.T) {
+		mockQuery := &mockSelectQuery{operations: []string{}}
+		result := handler.applyPreloadWithRecursion(mockQuery, preload, allPreloads, nil, 7)
+		mock := result.(*mockSelectQuery)
+
+		foundDepth8 := false
+		for _, op := range mock.operations {
+			if op == "PreloadRelation:MAL.MAL_RID_PARENTMASTERTASKITEM" {
+				foundDepth8 = true
+			}
+		}
+
+		assert.True(t, foundDepth8, "Should create level 8 when starting at depth 7")
+	})
+
+	t.Run("Depth8DoesNotCreateLevel9", func(t *testing.T) {
+		mockQuery := &mockSelectQuery{operations: []string{}}
+		result := handler.applyPreloadWithRecursion(mockQuery, preload, allPreloads, nil, 8)
+		mock := result.(*mockSelectQuery)
+
+		foundDepth9 := false
+		for _, op := range mock.operations {
+			if op == "PreloadRelation:MAL.MAL_RID_PARENTMASTERTASKITEM" {
+				foundDepth9 = true
+			}
+		}
+
+		assert.False(t, foundDepth9, "Should NOT create level 9 (depth limit is 8)")
+	})
+}
+
+// TestXFilesResponseStructure validates the actual structure of the response
+// This test can be expanded when we have a full database integration test environment
+func TestXFilesResponseStructure(t *testing.T) {
+	// Load the expected correct response
+	correctResponsePath := filepath.Join("..", "..", "tests", "data", "xfiles.response.correct.json")
+	correctData, err := os.ReadFile(correctResponsePath)
+	require.NoError(t, err, "Failed to read xfiles.response.correct.json")
+
+	var correctResponse []map[string]interface{}
+	err = json.Unmarshal(correctData, &correctResponse)
+	require.NoError(t, err, "Failed to parse xfiles.response.correct.json")
+
+	// Test 1: Verify root level has exactly 1 masterprocess
+	t.Run("RootLevelHasOneItem", func(t *testing.T) {
+		assert.Len(t, correctResponse, 1, "Root level should have exactly 1 masterprocess record")
+	})
+
+	// Test 2: Verify the root item has MTL relation
+	t.Run("RootHasMTLRelation", func(t *testing.T) {
+		require.NotEmpty(t, correctResponse, "Response should not be empty")
+		rootItem := correctResponse[0]
+
+		mtl, exists := rootItem["MTL"]
+		assert.True(t, exists, "Root item should have MTL relation")
+		assert.NotNil(t, mtl, "MTL relation should not be null")
+	})
+
+	// Test 3: Verify MTL has MAL items
+	t.Run("MTLHasMALItems", func(t *testing.T) {
+		require.NotEmpty(t, correctResponse, "Response should not be empty")
+		rootItem := correctResponse[0]
+
+		mtl, ok := rootItem["MTL"].([]interface{})
+		require.True(t, ok, "MTL should be an array")
+		require.NotEmpty(t, mtl, "MTL should have items")
+
+		firstMTL, ok := mtl[0].(map[string]interface{})
+		require.True(t, ok, "MTL item should be a map")
+
+		mal, exists := firstMTL["MAL"]
+		assert.True(t, exists, "MTL item should have MAL relation")
+		assert.NotNil(t, mal, "MAL relation should not be null")
+	})
+
+	// Test 4: Verify MAL items have MAL_RID_PARENTMASTERTASKITEM relation (recursive)
+	t.Run("MALHasRecursiveRelation", func(t *testing.T) {
+		require.NotEmpty(t, correctResponse, "Response should not be empty")
+		rootItem := correctResponse[0]
+
+		mtl, ok := rootItem["MTL"].([]interface{})
+		require.True(t, ok, "MTL should be an array")
+		require.NotEmpty(t, mtl, "MTL should have items")
+
+		firstMTL, ok := mtl[0].(map[string]interface{})
+		require.True(t, ok, "MTL item should be a map")
+
+		mal, ok := firstMTL["MAL"].([]interface{})
+		require.True(t, ok, "MAL should be an array")
+		require.NotEmpty(t, mal, "MAL should have items")
+
+		firstMAL, ok := mal[0].(map[string]interface{})
+		require.True(t, ok, "MAL item should be a map")
+
+		// The key assertion: check for FK-based relation name
+		recursiveRelation, exists := firstMAL["MAL_RID_PARENTMASTERTASKITEM"]
+		assert.True(t, exists,
+			"MAL item should have MAL_RID_PARENTMASTERTASKITEM relation (FK-based name)")
+
+		// It can be null or an array, depending on whether this item has children
+		if recursiveRelation != nil {
+			_, isArray := recursiveRelation.([]interface{})
+			assert.True(t, isArray,
+				"MAL_RID_PARENTMASTERTASKITEM should be an array when not null")
+		}
+	})
+
+	// Test 5: Verify "Receive COB Document for" appears as a child, not at root
+	t.Run("ChildItemsAreNested", func(t *testing.T) {
+		// This test verifies that "Receive COB Document for" doesn't appear
+		// multiple times at the wrong level, but is properly nested
+
+		// Count how many times we find this description at the MAL level (should be 0 or 1)
+		require.NotEmpty(t, correctResponse, "Response should not be empty")
+		rootItem := correctResponse[0]
+
+		mtl, ok := rootItem["MTL"].([]interface{})
+		require.True(t, ok, "MTL should be an array")
+		require.NotEmpty(t, mtl, "MTL should have items")
+
+		firstMTL, ok := mtl[0].(map[string]interface{})
+		require.True(t, ok, "MTL item should be a map")
+
+		mal, ok := firstMTL["MAL"].([]interface{})
+		require.True(t, ok, "MAL should be an array")
+
+		// Count root-level MAL items (before the fix, there were 12; should be 1)
+		assert.Len(t, mal, 1,
+			"MAL should have exactly 1 root-level item (before fix: 12 duplicates)")
+
+		// Verify the root item has a description
+		firstMAL, ok := mal[0].(map[string]interface{})
+		require.True(t, ok, "MAL item should be a map")
+
+		description, exists := firstMAL["description"]
+		assert.True(t, exists, "MAL item should have a description")
+		assert.Equal(t, "Capture COB Information", description,
+			"Root MAL item should be 'Capture COB Information'")
+	})
+
+	// Test 6: Verify DEF relation exists at MAL level
+	t.Run("DEFRelationExists", func(t *testing.T) {
+		require.NotEmpty(t, correctResponse, "Response should not be empty")
+		rootItem := correctResponse[0]
+
+		mtl, ok := rootItem["MTL"].([]interface{})
+		require.True(t, ok, "MTL should be an array")
+		require.NotEmpty(t, mtl, "MTL should have items")
+
+		firstMTL, ok := mtl[0].(map[string]interface{})
+		require.True(t, ok, "MTL item should be a map")
+
+		mal, ok := firstMTL["MAL"].([]interface{})
+		require.True(t, ok, "MAL should be an array")
+		require.NotEmpty(t, mal, "MAL should have items")
+
+		firstMAL, ok := mal[0].(map[string]interface{})
+		require.True(t, ok, "MAL item should be a map")
+
+		// Verify DEF relation exists (child relation extension)
+		def, exists := firstMAL["DEF"]
+		assert.True(t, exists, "MAL item should have DEF relation")
+
+		// DEF can be null or an object
+		if def != nil {
+			_, isMap := def.(map[string]interface{})
+			assert.True(t, isMap, "DEF should be an object when not null")
+		}
+	})
+}