when you specify computed columns without explicitly listing base columns, you'll get all base model column

pkg/common/adapters/database/bun.go

@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/uptrace/bun"
 
 	"github.com/bitechdev/ResolveSpec/pkg/common"
+	"github.com/bitechdev/ResolveSpec/pkg/logger"
 	"github.com/bitechdev/ResolveSpec/pkg/modelregistry"
 	"github.com/bitechdev/ResolveSpec/pkg/reflection"
 )
@@ -43,12 +44,22 @@ func (b *BunAdapter) NewDelete() common.DeleteQuery {
 	return &BunDeleteQuery{query: b.db.NewDelete()}
 }
 
-func (b *BunAdapter) Exec(ctx context.Context, query string, args ...interface{}) (common.Result, error) {
+func (b *BunAdapter) Exec(ctx context.Context, query string, args ...interface{}) (res common.Result, err error) {
+	defer func() {
+		if r := recover(); r != nil {
+			err = logger.HandlePanic("BunAdapter.Exec", r)
+		}
+	}()
 	result, err := b.db.ExecContext(ctx, query, args...)
 	return &BunResult{result: result}, err
 }
 
-func (b *BunAdapter) Query(ctx context.Context, dest interface{}, query string, args ...interface{}) error {
+func (b *BunAdapter) Query(ctx context.Context, dest interface{}, query string, args ...interface{}) (err error) {
+	defer func() {
+		if r := recover(); r != nil {
+			err = logger.HandlePanic("BunAdapter.Query", r)
+		}
+	}()
 	return b.db.NewRaw(query, args...).Scan(ctx, dest)
 }
 
@@ -73,7 +84,12 @@ func (b *BunAdapter) RollbackTx(ctx context.Context) error {
 	return nil
 }
 
-func (b *BunAdapter) RunInTransaction(ctx context.Context, fn func(common.Database) error) error {
+func (b *BunAdapter) RunInTransaction(ctx context.Context, fn func(common.Database) error) (err error) {
+	defer func() {
+		if r := recover(); r != nil {
+			err = logger.HandlePanic("BunAdapter.RunInTransaction", r)
+		}
+	}()
 	return b.db.RunInTx(ctx, &sql.TxOptions{}, func(ctx context.Context, tx bun.Tx) error {
 		// Create adapter with transaction
 		adapter := &BunTxAdapter{tx: tx}
@@ -219,6 +235,11 @@ func (b *BunSelectQuery) Preload(relation string, conditions ...interface{}) com
 
 func (b *BunSelectQuery) PreloadRelation(relation string, apply ...func(common.SelectQuery) common.SelectQuery) common.SelectQuery {
 	b.query = b.query.Relation(relation, func(sq *bun.SelectQuery) *bun.SelectQuery {
+		defer func() {
+			if r := recover(); r != nil {
+				logger.HandlePanic("BunSelectQuery.PreloadRelation", r)
+			}
+		}()
 		if len(apply) == 0 {
 			return sq
 		}
@@ -276,15 +297,38 @@ func (b *BunSelectQuery) Having(having string, args ...interface{}) common.Selec
 	return b
 }
 
-func (b *BunSelectQuery) Scan(ctx context.Context, dest interface{}) error {
+func (b *BunSelectQuery) Scan(ctx context.Context, dest interface{}) (err error) {
+	defer func() {
+		if r := recover(); r != nil {
+			err = logger.HandlePanic("BunSelectQuery.Scan", r)
+		}
+	}()
+	if dest == nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("destination cannot be nil")
+	}
 	return b.query.Scan(ctx, dest)
 }
 
-func (b *BunSelectQuery) ScanModel(ctx context.Context) error {
+func (b *BunSelectQuery) ScanModel(ctx context.Context) (err error) {
+	defer func() {
+		if r := recover(); r != nil {
+			err = logger.HandlePanic("BunSelectQuery.ScanModel", r)
+		}
+	}()
+	if b.query.GetModel() == nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("model is nil")
+	}
+
 	return b.query.Scan(ctx)
 }
 
-func (b *BunSelectQuery) Count(ctx context.Context) (int, error) {
+func (b *BunSelectQuery) Count(ctx context.Context) (count int, err error) {
+	defer func() {
+		if r := recover(); r != nil {
+			err = logger.HandlePanic("BunSelectQuery.Count", r)
+			count = 0
+		}
+	}()
 	// If Model() was set, use bun's native Count() which works properly
 	if b.hasModel {
 		count, err := b.query.Count(ctx)
@@ -293,15 +337,20 @@ func (b *BunSelectQuery) Count(ctx context.Context) (int, error) {
 
 	// Otherwise, wrap as subquery to avoid "Model(nil)" error
 	// This is needed when only Table() is set without a model
-	var count int
-	err := b.db.NewSelect().
+	err = b.db.NewSelect().
 		TableExpr("(?) AS subquery", b.query).
 		ColumnExpr("COUNT(*)").
 		Scan(ctx, &count)
 	return count, err
 }
 
-func (b *BunSelectQuery) Exists(ctx context.Context) (bool, error) {
+func (b *BunSelectQuery) Exists(ctx context.Context) (exists bool, err error) {
+	defer func() {
+		if r := recover(); r != nil {
+			err = logger.HandlePanic("BunSelectQuery.Exists", r)
+			exists = false
+		}
+	}()
 	return b.query.Exists(ctx)
 }
 
@@ -319,6 +368,9 @@ func (b *BunInsertQuery) Model(model interface{}) common.InsertQuery {
 }
 
 func (b *BunInsertQuery) Table(table string) common.InsertQuery {
+	if b.hasModel {
+		return b
+	}
 	b.query = b.query.Table(table)
 	return b
 }
@@ -343,7 +395,12 @@ func (b *BunInsertQuery) Returning(columns ...string) common.InsertQuery {
 	return b
 }
 
-func (b *BunInsertQuery) Exec(ctx context.Context) (common.Result, error) {
+func (b *BunInsertQuery) Exec(ctx context.Context) (res common.Result, err error) {
+	defer func() {
+		if r := recover(); r != nil {
+			err = logger.HandlePanic("BunInsertQuery.Exec", r)
+		}
+	}()
 	if b.values != nil && len(b.values) > 0 {
 		if !b.hasModel {
 			// If no model was set, use the values map as the model
@@ -424,7 +481,12 @@ func (b *BunUpdateQuery) Returning(columns ...string) common.UpdateQuery {
 	return b
 }
 
-func (b *BunUpdateQuery) Exec(ctx context.Context) (common.Result, error) {
+func (b *BunUpdateQuery) Exec(ctx context.Context) (res common.Result, err error) {
+	defer func() {
+		if r := recover(); r != nil {
+			err = logger.HandlePanic("BunUpdateQuery.Exec", r)
+		}
+	}()
 	result, err := b.query.Exec(ctx)
 	return &BunResult{result: result}, err
 }
@@ -449,7 +511,12 @@ func (b *BunDeleteQuery) Where(query string, args ...interface{}) common.DeleteQ
 	return b
 }
 
-func (b *BunDeleteQuery) Exec(ctx context.Context) (common.Result, error) {
+func (b *BunDeleteQuery) Exec(ctx context.Context) (res common.Result, err error) {
+	defer func() {
+		if r := recover(); r != nil {
+			err = logger.HandlePanic("BunDeleteQuery.Exec", r)
+		}
+	}()
 	result, err := b.query.Exec(ctx)
 	return &BunResult{result: result}, err
 }

pkg/common/adapters/database/gorm.go

@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ import (
 	"gorm.io/gorm"
 
 	"github.com/bitechdev/ResolveSpec/pkg/common"
+	"github.com/bitechdev/ResolveSpec/pkg/logger"
 	"github.com/bitechdev/ResolveSpec/pkg/modelregistry"
 	"github.com/bitechdev/ResolveSpec/pkg/reflection"
 )
@@ -38,12 +39,22 @@ func (g *GormAdapter) NewDelete() common.DeleteQuery {
 	return &GormDeleteQuery{db: g.db}
 }
 
-func (g *GormAdapter) Exec(ctx context.Context, query string, args ...interface{}) (common.Result, error) {
+func (g *GormAdapter) Exec(ctx context.Context, query string, args ...interface{}) (res common.Result, err error) {
+	defer func() {
+		if r := recover(); r != nil {
+			err = logger.HandlePanic("GormAdapter.Exec", r)
+		}
+	}()
 	result := g.db.WithContext(ctx).Exec(query, args...)
 	return &GormResult{result: result}, result.Error
 }
 
-func (g *GormAdapter) Query(ctx context.Context, dest interface{}, query string, args ...interface{}) error {
+func (g *GormAdapter) Query(ctx context.Context, dest interface{}, query string, args ...interface{}) (err error) {
+	defer func() {
+		if r := recover(); r != nil {
+			err = logger.HandlePanic("GormAdapter.Query", r)
+		}
+	}()
 	return g.db.WithContext(ctx).Raw(query, args...).Find(dest).Error
 }
 
@@ -63,7 +74,12 @@ func (g *GormAdapter) RollbackTx(ctx context.Context) error {
 	return g.db.WithContext(ctx).Rollback().Error
 }
 
-func (g *GormAdapter) RunInTransaction(ctx context.Context, fn func(common.Database) error) error {
+func (g *GormAdapter) RunInTransaction(ctx context.Context, fn func(common.Database) error) (err error) {
+	defer func() {
+		if r := recover(); r != nil {
+			err = logger.HandlePanic("GormAdapter.RunInTransaction", r)
+		}
+	}()
 	return g.db.WithContext(ctx).Transaction(func(tx *gorm.DB) error {
 		adapter := &GormAdapter{db: tx}
 		return fn(adapter)
@@ -255,26 +271,48 @@ func (g *GormSelectQuery) Having(having string, args ...interface{}) common.Sele
 	return g
 }
 
-func (g *GormSelectQuery) Scan(ctx context.Context, dest interface{}) error {
+func (g *GormSelectQuery) Scan(ctx context.Context, dest interface{}) (err error) {
+	defer func() {
+		if r := recover(); r != nil {
+			err = logger.HandlePanic("GormSelectQuery.Scan", r)
+		}
+	}()
 	return g.db.WithContext(ctx).Find(dest).Error
 }
 
-func (g *GormSelectQuery) ScanModel(ctx context.Context) error {
+func (g *GormSelectQuery) ScanModel(ctx context.Context) (err error) {
+	defer func() {
+		if r := recover(); r != nil {
+			err = logger.HandlePanic("GormSelectQuery.ScanModel", r)
+		}
+	}()
 	if g.db.Statement.Model == nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("ScanModel requires Model() to be set before scanning")
 	}
 	return g.db.WithContext(ctx).Find(g.db.Statement.Model).Error
 }
 
-func (g *GormSelectQuery) Count(ctx context.Context) (int, error) {
-	var count int64
-	err := g.db.WithContext(ctx).Count(&count).Error
-	return int(count), err
+func (g *GormSelectQuery) Count(ctx context.Context) (count int, err error) {
+	defer func() {
+		if r := recover(); r != nil {
+			err = logger.HandlePanic("GormSelectQuery.Count", r)
+			count = 0
+		}
+	}()
+	var count64 int64
+	err = g.db.WithContext(ctx).Count(&count64).Error
+	return int(count64), err
 }
 
-func (g *GormSelectQuery) Exists(ctx context.Context) (bool, error) {
+func (g *GormSelectQuery) Exists(ctx context.Context) (exists bool, err error) {
+	defer func() {
+		if r := recover(); r != nil {
+			err = logger.HandlePanic("GormSelectQuery.Exists", r)
+			exists = false
+		}
+	}()
 	var count int64
-	err := g.db.WithContext(ctx).Limit(1).Count(&count).Error
+	err = g.db.WithContext(ctx).Limit(1).Count(&count).Error
 	return count > 0, err
 }
 
@@ -314,7 +352,12 @@ func (g *GormInsertQuery) Returning(columns ...string) common.InsertQuery {
 	return g
 }
 
-func (g *GormInsertQuery) Exec(ctx context.Context) (common.Result, error) {
+func (g *GormInsertQuery) Exec(ctx context.Context) (res common.Result, err error) {
+	defer func() {
+		if r := recover(); r != nil {
+			err = logger.HandlePanic("GormInsertQuery.Exec", r)
+		}
+	}()
 	var result *gorm.DB
 	switch {
 	case g.model != nil:
@@ -401,7 +444,12 @@ func (g *GormUpdateQuery) Returning(columns ...string) common.UpdateQuery {
 	return g
 }
 
-func (g *GormUpdateQuery) Exec(ctx context.Context) (common.Result, error) {
+func (g *GormUpdateQuery) Exec(ctx context.Context) (res common.Result, err error) {
+	defer func() {
+		if r := recover(); r != nil {
+			err = logger.HandlePanic("GormUpdateQuery.Exec", r)
+		}
+	}()
 	result := g.db.WithContext(ctx).Updates(g.updates)
 	return &GormResult{result: result}, result.Error
 }
@@ -428,7 +476,12 @@ func (g *GormDeleteQuery) Where(query string, args ...interface{}) common.Delete
 	return g
 }
 
-func (g *GormDeleteQuery) Exec(ctx context.Context) (common.Result, error) {
+func (g *GormDeleteQuery) Exec(ctx context.Context) (res common.Result, err error) {
+	defer func() {
+		if r := recover(); r != nil {
+			err = logger.HandlePanic("GormDeleteQuery.Exec", r)
+		}
+	}()
 	result := g.db.WithContext(ctx).Delete(g.model)
 	return &GormResult{result: result}, result.Error
 }

pkg/common/sql_helpers.go

@@ -0,0 +1,136 @@
+package common
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"strings"
+
+	"github.com/bitechdev/ResolveSpec/pkg/logger"
+)
+
+// ValidateAndFixPreloadWhere validates that the WHERE clause for a preload contains
+// the relation prefix (alias). If not present, it attempts to add it to column references.
+// Returns the fixed WHERE clause and an error if it cannot be safely fixed.
+func ValidateAndFixPreloadWhere(where string, relationName string) (string, error) {
+	if where == "" {
+		return where, nil
+	}
+
+	// Check if the relation name is already present in the WHERE clause
+	lowerWhere := strings.ToLower(where)
+	lowerRelation := strings.ToLower(relationName)
+
+	// Check for patterns like "relation.", "relation ", or just "relation" followed by a dot
+	if strings.Contains(lowerWhere, lowerRelation+".") ||
+		strings.Contains(lowerWhere, "`"+lowerRelation+"`.") ||
+		strings.Contains(lowerWhere, "\""+lowerRelation+"\".") {
+		// Relation prefix is already present
+		return where, nil
+	}
+
+	// If the WHERE clause is complex (contains OR, parentheses, subqueries, etc.),
+	// we can't safely auto-fix it - require explicit prefix
+	if strings.Contains(lowerWhere, " or ") ||
+		strings.Contains(where, "(") ||
+		strings.Contains(where, ")") {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("preload WHERE condition must reference the relation '%s' (e.g., '%s.column_name'). Complex WHERE clauses with OR/parentheses must explicitly use the relation prefix", relationName, relationName)
+	}
+
+	// Try to add the relation prefix to simple column references
+	// This handles basic cases like "column = value" or "column = value AND other_column = value"
+	// Split by AND to handle multiple conditions (case-insensitive)
+	originalConditions := strings.Split(where, " AND ")
+
+	// If uppercase split didn't work, try lowercase
+	if len(originalConditions) == 1 {
+		originalConditions = strings.Split(where, " and ")
+	}
+
+	fixedConditions := make([]string, 0, len(originalConditions))
+
+	for _, cond := range originalConditions {
+		cond = strings.TrimSpace(cond)
+		if cond == "" {
+			continue
+		}
+
+		// Check if this condition already has a table prefix (contains a dot)
+		if strings.Contains(cond, ".") {
+			fixedConditions = append(fixedConditions, cond)
+			continue
+		}
+
+		// Check if this is a SQL expression/literal that shouldn't be prefixed
+		lowerCond := strings.ToLower(strings.TrimSpace(cond))
+		if IsSQLExpression(lowerCond) {
+			// Don't prefix SQL expressions like "true", "false", "1=1", etc.
+			fixedConditions = append(fixedConditions, cond)
+			continue
+		}
+
+		// Extract the column name (first identifier before operator)
+		columnName := ExtractColumnName(cond)
+		if columnName == "" {
+			// Can't identify column name, require explicit prefix
+			return "", fmt.Errorf("preload WHERE condition must reference the relation '%s' (e.g., '%s.column_name'). Cannot auto-fix condition: %s", relationName, relationName, cond)
+		}
+
+		// Add relation prefix to the column name only
+		fixedCond := strings.Replace(cond, columnName, relationName+"."+columnName, 1)
+		fixedConditions = append(fixedConditions, fixedCond)
+	}
+
+	fixedWhere := strings.Join(fixedConditions, " AND ")
+	logger.Debug("Auto-fixed preload WHERE clause: '%s' -> '%s'", where, fixedWhere)
+	return fixedWhere, nil
+}
+
+// IsSQLExpression checks if a condition is a SQL expression that shouldn't be prefixed
+func IsSQLExpression(cond string) bool {
+	// Common SQL literals and expressions
+	sqlLiterals := []string{"true", "false", "null", "1=1", "1 = 1", "0=0", "0 = 0"}
+	for _, literal := range sqlLiterals {
+		if cond == literal {
+			return true
+		}
+	}
+	return false
+}
+
+// ExtractColumnName extracts the column name from a WHERE condition
+// For example: "status = 'active'" returns "status"
+func ExtractColumnName(cond string) string {
+	// Common SQL operators
+	operators := []string{" = ", " != ", " <> ", " > ", " >= ", " < ", " <= ", " LIKE ", " like ", " IN ", " in ", " IS ", " is "}
+
+	for _, op := range operators {
+		if idx := strings.Index(cond, op); idx > 0 {
+			columnName := strings.TrimSpace(cond[:idx])
+			// Remove quotes if present
+			columnName = strings.Trim(columnName, "`\"'")
+			return columnName
+		}
+	}
+
+	// If no operator found, check if it's a simple identifier (for boolean columns)
+	parts := strings.Fields(cond)
+	if len(parts) > 0 {
+		columnName := strings.Trim(parts[0], "`\"'")
+		// Check if it's a valid identifier (not a SQL keyword)
+		if !IsSQLKeyword(strings.ToLower(columnName)) {
+			return columnName
+		}
+	}
+
+	return ""
+}
+
+// IsSQLKeyword checks if a string is a SQL keyword that shouldn't be treated as a column name
+func IsSQLKeyword(word string) bool {
+	keywords := []string{"select", "from", "where", "and", "or", "not", "in", "is", "null", "true", "false", "like", "between", "exists"}
+	for _, kw := range keywords {
+		if word == kw {
+			return true
+		}
+	}
+	return false
+}

pkg/common/validation.go

@@ -92,9 +92,27 @@ func (v *ColumnValidator) getColumnName(field reflect.StructField) string {
 	return strings.ToLower(field.Name)
 }
 
+// extractSourceColumn extracts the base column name from PostgreSQL JSON operators
+// Examples:
+//   - "columna->>'val'" returns "columna"
+//   - "columna->'key'" returns "columna"
+//   - "columna" returns "columna"
+//   - "table.columna->>'val'" returns "table.columna"
+func extractSourceColumn(colName string) string {
+	// Check for PostgreSQL JSON operators: -> and ->>
+	if idx := strings.Index(colName, "->>"); idx != -1 {
+		return strings.TrimSpace(colName[:idx])
+	}
+	if idx := strings.Index(colName, "->"); idx != -1 {
+		return strings.TrimSpace(colName[:idx])
+	}
+	return colName
+}
+
 // ValidateColumn validates a single column name
 // Returns nil if valid, error if invalid
 // Columns prefixed with "cql" (case insensitive) are always valid
+// Handles PostgreSQL JSON operators (-> and ->>)
 func (v *ColumnValidator) ValidateColumn(column string) error {
 	// Allow empty columns
 	if column == "" {
@@ -106,8 +124,11 @@ func (v *ColumnValidator) ValidateColumn(column string) error {
 		return nil
 	}
 
+	// Extract source column name (remove JSON operators like ->> or ->)
+	sourceColumn := extractSourceColumn(column)
+
 	// Check if column exists in model
-	if _, exists := v.validColumns[strings.ToLower(column)]; !exists {
+	if _, exists := v.validColumns[strings.ToLower(sourceColumn)]; !exists {
 		return fmt.Errorf("invalid column '%s': column does not exist in model", column)
 	}
 

pkg/common/validation_json_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,124 @@
+package common
+
+import (
+	"testing"
+)
+
+func TestExtractSourceColumn(t *testing.T) {
+	testCases := []struct {
+		name     string
+		input    string
+		expected string
+	}{
+		{
+			name:     "simple column name",
+			input:    "columna",
+			expected: "columna",
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "column with ->> operator",
+			input:    "columna->>'val'",
+			expected: "columna",
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "column with -> operator",
+			input:    "columna->'key'",
+			expected: "columna",
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "column with table prefix and ->> operator",
+			input:    "table.columna->>'val'",
+			expected: "table.columna",
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "column with table prefix and -> operator",
+			input:    "table.columna->'key'",
+			expected: "table.columna",
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "complex JSON path with ->>",
+			input:    "data->>'nested'->>'value'",
+			expected: "data",
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "column with spaces before operator",
+			input:    "columna ->>'val'",
+			expected: "columna",
+		},
+	}
+
+	for _, tc := range testCases {
+		t.Run(tc.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			result := extractSourceColumn(tc.input)
+			if result != tc.expected {
+				t.Errorf("extractSourceColumn(%q) = %q; want %q", tc.input, result, tc.expected)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func TestValidateColumnWithJSONOperators(t *testing.T) {
+	// Create a test model
+	type TestModel struct {
+		ID       int    `json:"id"`
+		Name     string `json:"name"`
+		Data     string `json:"data"` // JSON column
+		Metadata string `json:"metadata"`
+	}
+
+	validator := NewColumnValidator(TestModel{})
+
+	testCases := []struct {
+		name      string
+		column    string
+		shouldErr bool
+	}{
+		{
+			name:      "simple valid column",
+			column:    "name",
+			shouldErr: false,
+		},
+		{
+			name:      "valid column with ->> operator",
+			column:    "data->>'field'",
+			shouldErr: false,
+		},
+		{
+			name:      "valid column with -> operator",
+			column:    "metadata->'key'",
+			shouldErr: false,
+		},
+		{
+			name:      "invalid column",
+			column:    "invalid_column",
+			shouldErr: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:      "invalid column with ->> operator",
+			column:    "invalid_column->>'field'",
+			shouldErr: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:      "cql prefixed column (always valid)",
+			column:    "cql_computed",
+			shouldErr: false,
+		},
+		{
+			name:      "empty column",
+			column:    "",
+			shouldErr: false,
+		},
+	}
+
+	for _, tc := range testCases {
+		t.Run(tc.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			err := validator.ValidateColumn(tc.column)
+			if tc.shouldErr && err == nil {
+				t.Errorf("ValidateColumn(%q) expected error, got nil", tc.column)
+			}
+			if !tc.shouldErr && err != nil {
+				t.Errorf("ValidateColumn(%q) expected no error, got %v", tc.column, err)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}

pkg/logger/logger.go

@@ -103,3 +103,18 @@ func CatchPanicCallback(location string, cb func(err any)) {
 func CatchPanic(location string) {
 	CatchPanicCallback(location, nil)
 }
+
+// HandlePanic logs a panic and returns it as an error
+// This should be called with the result of recover() from a deferred function
+// Example usage:
+//
+//	defer func() {
+//	    if r := recover(); r != nil {
+//	        err = logger.HandlePanic("MethodName", r)
+//	    }
+//	}()
+func HandlePanic(methodName string, r any) error {
+	stack := debug.Stack()
+	Error("Panic in %s: %v\nStack trace:\n%s", methodName, r, string(stack))
+	return fmt.Errorf("panic in %s: %v", methodName, r)
+}

pkg/resolvespec/handler.go

@@ -1132,10 +1132,15 @@ func (h *Handler) applyPreloads(model interface{}, query common.SelectQuery, pre
 		// ORMs like GORM and Bun expect the struct field name, not the JSON name
 		relationFieldName := relInfo.fieldName
 
-		// For now, we'll preload without conditions
-		// TODO: Implement column selection and filtering for preloads
-		// This requires a more sophisticated approach with callbacks or query builders
-		// Apply preloading
+		// Validate and fix WHERE clause to ensure it contains the relation prefix
+		if len(preload.Where) > 0 {
+			fixedWhere, err := common.ValidateAndFixPreloadWhere(preload.Where, relationFieldName)
+			if err != nil {
+				logger.Error("Invalid preload WHERE clause for relation '%s': %v", relationFieldName, err)
+				panic(fmt.Errorf("invalid preload WHERE clause for relation '%s': %w", relationFieldName, err))
+			}
+			preload.Where = fixedWhere
+		}
 
 		logger.Debug("Applying preload: %s", relationFieldName)
 		query = query.PreloadRelation(relationFieldName, func(sq common.SelectQuery) common.SelectQuery {

pkg/restheadspec/context.go

@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@ const (
 	contextKeyTableName contextKey = "tableName"
 	contextKeyModel     contextKey = "model"
 	contextKeyModelPtr  contextKey = "modelPtr"
+	contextKeyOptions   contextKey = "options"
 )
 
 // WithSchema adds schema to context
@@ -74,12 +75,28 @@ func GetModelPtr(ctx context.Context) interface{} {
 	return ctx.Value(contextKeyModelPtr)
 }
 
+// WithOptions adds request options to context
+func WithOptions(ctx context.Context, options ExtendedRequestOptions) context.Context {
+	return context.WithValue(ctx, contextKeyOptions, options)
+}
+
+// GetOptions retrieves request options from context
+func GetOptions(ctx context.Context) *ExtendedRequestOptions {
+	if v := ctx.Value(contextKeyOptions); v != nil {
+		if opts, ok := v.(ExtendedRequestOptions); ok {
+			return &opts
+		}
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
 // WithRequestData adds all request-scoped data to context at once
-func WithRequestData(ctx context.Context, schema, entity, tableName string, model, modelPtr interface{}) context.Context {
+func WithRequestData(ctx context.Context, schema, entity, tableName string, model, modelPtr interface{}, options ExtendedRequestOptions) context.Context {
 	ctx = WithSchema(ctx, schema)
 	ctx = WithEntity(ctx, entity)
 	ctx = WithTableName(ctx, tableName)
 	ctx = WithModel(ctx, model)
 	ctx = WithModelPtr(ctx, modelPtr)
+	ctx = WithOptions(ctx, options)
 	return ctx
 }

pkg/restheadspec/handler.go

@@ -65,9 +65,6 @@ func (h *Handler) Handle(w common.ResponseWriter, r common.Request, params map[s
 	entity := params["entity"]
 	id := params["id"]
 
-	// Parse options from headers (now returns ExtendedRequestOptions)
-	options := h.parseOptionsFromHeaders(r)
-
 	// Determine operation based on HTTP method
 	method := r.Method()
 
@@ -104,13 +101,16 @@ func (h *Handler) Handle(w common.ResponseWriter, r common.Request, params map[s
 	modelPtr := reflect.New(reflect.TypeOf(model)).Interface()
 	tableName := h.getTableName(schema, entity, model)
 
-	// Add request-scoped data to context
-	ctx = WithRequestData(ctx, schema, entity, tableName, model, modelPtr)
+	// Parse options from headers - this now includes relation name resolution
+	options := h.parseOptionsFromHeaders(r, model)
 
 	// Validate and filter columns in options (log warnings for invalid columns)
 	validator := common.NewColumnValidator(model)
 	options = filterExtendedOptions(validator, options)
 
+	// Add request-scoped data to context (including options)
+	ctx = WithRequestData(ctx, schema, entity, tableName, model, modelPtr, options)
+
 	switch method {
 	case "GET":
 		if id != "" {
@@ -260,6 +260,13 @@ func (h *Handler) handleRead(ctx context.Context, w common.ResponseWriter, id st
 		query = query.Table(tableName)
 	}
 
+	// If we have computed columns/expressions but options.Columns is empty,
+	// populate it with all model columns first since computed columns are additions
+	if len(options.Columns) == 0 && (len(options.ComputedQL) > 0 || len(options.ComputedColumns) > 0) {
+		logger.Debug("Populating options.Columns with all model columns since computed columns are additions")
+		options.Columns = reflection.GetModelColumns(model)
+	}
+
 	// Apply ComputedQL fields if any
 	if len(options.ComputedQL) > 0 {
 		for colName, colExpr := range options.ComputedQL {
@@ -340,6 +347,19 @@ func (h *Handler) handleRead(ctx context.Context, w common.ResponseWriter, id st
 	for idx := range options.Preload {
 		preload := options.Preload[idx]
 		logger.Debug("Applying preload: %s", preload.Relation)
+
+		// Validate and fix WHERE clause to ensure it contains the relation prefix
+		if len(preload.Where) > 0 {
+			fixedWhere, err := common.ValidateAndFixPreloadWhere(preload.Where, preload.Relation)
+			if err != nil {
+				logger.Error("Invalid preload WHERE clause for relation '%s': %v", preload.Relation, err)
+				h.sendError(w, http.StatusBadRequest, "invalid_preload_where",
+					fmt.Sprintf("Invalid preload WHERE clause for relation '%s'", preload.Relation), err)
+				return
+			}
+			preload.Where = fixedWhere
+		}
+
 		query = query.PreloadRelation(preload.Relation, func(sq common.SelectQuery) common.SelectQuery {
 			if len(preload.OmitColumns) > 0 {
 				allCols := reflection.GetModelColumns(model)
@@ -663,7 +683,14 @@ func (h *Handler) handleCreate(ctx context.Context, w common.ResponseWriter, dat
 			}
 
 			// Create insert query
-			query := tx.NewInsert().Model(modelValue).Table(tableName).Returning("*")
+			query := tx.NewInsert().Model(modelValue)
+
+			// Only set Table() if the model doesn't provide a table name via TableNameProvider
+			if provider, ok := modelValue.(common.TableNameProvider); !ok || provider.TableName() == "" {
+				query = query.Table(tableName)
+			}
+
+			query = query.Returning("*")
 
 			// Execute BeforeScan hooks - pass query chain so hooks can modify it
 			itemHookCtx := &HookContext{
@@ -1640,13 +1667,9 @@ func (h *Handler) sendResponseWithOptions(w common.ResponseWriter, data interfac
 		data = h.normalizeResultArray(data)
 	}
 
-	response := common.Response{
-		Success:  true,
-		Data:     data,
-		Metadata: metadata,
-	}
+	// Return data as-is without wrapping in common.Response
 	w.WriteHeader(http.StatusOK)
-	if err := w.WriteJSON(response); err != nil {
+	if err := w.WriteJSON(data); err != nil {
 		logger.Error("Failed to write JSON response: %v", err)
 	}
 }

pkg/restheadspec/headers.go

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ package restheadspec
 
 import (
 	"encoding/base64"
+	"encoding/json"
 	"fmt"
 	"reflect"
 	"strconv"
@@ -42,6 +43,9 @@ type ExtendedRequestOptions struct {
 
 	// Transaction
 	AtomicTransaction bool
+
+	// X-Files configuration - comprehensive query options as a single JSON object
+	XFiles *XFiles
 }
 
 // ExpandOption represents a relation expansion configuration
@@ -95,7 +99,8 @@ func DecodeParam(pStr string) (string, error) {
 }
 
 // parseOptionsFromHeaders parses all request options from HTTP headers
-func (h *Handler) parseOptionsFromHeaders(r common.Request) ExtendedRequestOptions {
+// If model is provided, it will resolve table names to field names in preload/expand options
+func (h *Handler) parseOptionsFromHeaders(r common.Request, model interface{}) ExtendedRequestOptions {
 	options := ExtendedRequestOptions{
 		RequestOptions: common.RequestOptions{
 			Filters: make([]common.FilterOption, 0),
@@ -214,9 +219,18 @@ func (h *Handler) parseOptionsFromHeaders(r common.Request) ExtendedRequestOptio
 		// Transaction Control
 		case strings.HasPrefix(normalizedKey, "x-transaction-atomic"):
 			options.AtomicTransaction = strings.EqualFold(decodedValue, "true")
+
+		// X-Files - comprehensive JSON configuration
+		case strings.HasPrefix(normalizedKey, "x-files"):
+			h.parseXFiles(&options, decodedValue)
 		}
 	}
 
+	// Resolve relation names (convert table names to field names) if model is provided
+	if model != nil {
+		h.resolveRelationNamesInOptions(&options, model)
+	}
+
 	return options
 }
 
@@ -480,12 +494,472 @@ func (h *Handler) parseCommaSeparated(value string) []string {
 	return result
 }
 
+// parseXFiles parses x-files header containing comprehensive JSON configuration
+// and populates ExtendedRequestOptions fields from it
+func (h *Handler) parseXFiles(options *ExtendedRequestOptions, value string) {
+	if value == "" {
+		return
+	}
+
+	var xfiles XFiles
+	if err := json.Unmarshal([]byte(value), &xfiles); err != nil {
+		logger.Warn("Failed to parse x-files header: %v", err)
+		return
+	}
+
+	logger.Debug("Parsed x-files configuration for table: %s", xfiles.TableName)
+
+	// Store the original XFiles for reference
+	options.XFiles = &xfiles
+
+	// Map XFiles fields to ExtendedRequestOptions
+
+	// Column selection
+	if len(xfiles.Columns) > 0 {
+		options.Columns = append(options.Columns, xfiles.Columns...)
+		logger.Debug("X-Files: Added columns: %v", xfiles.Columns)
+	}
+
+	// Omit columns
+	if len(xfiles.OmitColumns) > 0 {
+		options.OmitColumns = append(options.OmitColumns, xfiles.OmitColumns...)
+		logger.Debug("X-Files: Added omit columns: %v", xfiles.OmitColumns)
+	}
+
+	// Computed columns (CQL) -> ComputedQL
+	if len(xfiles.CQLColumns) > 0 {
+		if options.ComputedQL == nil {
+			options.ComputedQL = make(map[string]string)
+		}
+		for i, cqlExpr := range xfiles.CQLColumns {
+			colName := fmt.Sprintf("cql%d", i+1)
+			options.ComputedQL[colName] = cqlExpr
+			logger.Debug("X-Files: Added computed column %s: %s", colName, cqlExpr)
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Sorting
+	if len(xfiles.Sort) > 0 {
+		for _, sortField := range xfiles.Sort {
+			direction := "ASC"
+			colName := sortField
+
+			// Handle direction prefixes
+			if strings.HasPrefix(sortField, "-") {
+				direction = "DESC"
+				colName = strings.TrimPrefix(sortField, "-")
+			} else if strings.HasPrefix(sortField, "+") {
+				colName = strings.TrimPrefix(sortField, "+")
+			}
+
+			// Handle DESC suffix
+			if strings.HasSuffix(strings.ToLower(colName), " desc") {
+				direction = "DESC"
+				colName = strings.TrimSuffix(strings.ToLower(colName), " desc")
+			} else if strings.HasSuffix(strings.ToLower(colName), " asc") {
+				colName = strings.TrimSuffix(strings.ToLower(colName), " asc")
+			}
+
+			options.Sort = append(options.Sort, common.SortOption{
+				Column:    strings.TrimSpace(colName),
+				Direction: direction,
+			})
+		}
+		logger.Debug("X-Files: Added %d sort options", len(xfiles.Sort))
+	}
+
+	// Filter fields
+	if len(xfiles.FilterFields) > 0 {
+		for _, filterField := range xfiles.FilterFields {
+			options.Filters = append(options.Filters, common.FilterOption{
+				Column:        filterField.Field,
+				Operator:      filterField.Operator,
+				Value:         filterField.Value,
+				LogicOperator: "AND", // Default to AND
+			})
+		}
+		logger.Debug("X-Files: Added %d filter fields", len(xfiles.FilterFields))
+	}
+
+	// SQL AND conditions -> CustomSQLWhere
+	if len(xfiles.SqlAnd) > 0 {
+		if options.CustomSQLWhere != "" {
+			options.CustomSQLWhere += " AND "
+		}
+		options.CustomSQLWhere += "(" + strings.Join(xfiles.SqlAnd, " AND ") + ")"
+		logger.Debug("X-Files: Added SQL AND conditions")
+	}
+
+	// SQL OR conditions -> CustomSQLOr
+	if len(xfiles.SqlOr) > 0 {
+		if options.CustomSQLOr != "" {
+			options.CustomSQLOr += " OR "
+		}
+		options.CustomSQLOr += "(" + strings.Join(xfiles.SqlOr, " OR ") + ")"
+		logger.Debug("X-Files: Added SQL OR conditions")
+	}
+
+	// Pagination - Limit
+	if limitStr := xfiles.Limit.String(); limitStr != "" && limitStr != "0" {
+		if limitVal, err := xfiles.Limit.Int64(); err == nil && limitVal > 0 {
+			limit := int(limitVal)
+			options.Limit = &limit
+			logger.Debug("X-Files: Set limit: %d", limit)
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Pagination - Offset
+	if offsetStr := xfiles.Offset.String(); offsetStr != "" && offsetStr != "0" {
+		if offsetVal, err := xfiles.Offset.Int64(); err == nil && offsetVal > 0 {
+			offset := int(offsetVal)
+			options.Offset = &offset
+			logger.Debug("X-Files: Set offset: %d", offset)
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Cursor pagination
+	if xfiles.CursorForward != "" {
+		options.CursorForward = xfiles.CursorForward
+		logger.Debug("X-Files: Set cursor forward")
+	}
+	if xfiles.CursorBackward != "" {
+		options.CursorBackward = xfiles.CursorBackward
+		logger.Debug("X-Files: Set cursor backward")
+	}
+
+	// Flags
+	if xfiles.Skipcount {
+		options.SkipCount = true
+		logger.Debug("X-Files: Set skip count")
+	}
+
+	// Process ParentTables and ChildTables recursively
+	h.processXFilesRelations(&xfiles, options, "")
+}
+
+// processXFilesRelations processes ParentTables and ChildTables from XFiles
+// and adds them as Preload options recursively
+func (h *Handler) processXFilesRelations(xfiles *XFiles, options *ExtendedRequestOptions, basePath string) {
+	if xfiles == nil {
+		return
+	}
+
+	// Process ParentTables
+	if len(xfiles.ParentTables) > 0 {
+		logger.Debug("X-Files: Processing %d parent tables", len(xfiles.ParentTables))
+		for _, parentTable := range xfiles.ParentTables {
+			h.addXFilesPreload(parentTable, options, basePath)
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Process ChildTables
+	if len(xfiles.ChildTables) > 0 {
+		logger.Debug("X-Files: Processing %d child tables", len(xfiles.ChildTables))
+		for _, childTable := range xfiles.ChildTables {
+			h.addXFilesPreload(childTable, options, basePath)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// resolveRelationNamesInOptions resolves all table names to field names in preload options
+// This is called internally by parseOptionsFromHeaders when a model is provided
+func (h *Handler) resolveRelationNamesInOptions(options *ExtendedRequestOptions, model interface{}) {
+	if options == nil || model == nil {
+		return
+	}
+
+	// Resolve relation names in all preload options
+	for i := range options.Preload {
+		preload := &options.Preload[i]
+
+		// Split the relation path (e.g., "parent.child.grandchild")
+		parts := strings.Split(preload.Relation, ".")
+		resolvedParts := make([]string, 0, len(parts))
+
+		// Resolve each part of the path
+		currentModel := model
+		for _, part := range parts {
+			resolvedPart := h.resolveRelationName(currentModel, part)
+			resolvedParts = append(resolvedParts, resolvedPart)
+
+			// Try to get the model type for the next level
+			// This allows nested resolution
+			if nextModel := h.getRelationModel(currentModel, resolvedPart); nextModel != nil {
+				currentModel = nextModel
+			}
+		}
+
+		// Update the relation path with resolved names
+		resolvedPath := strings.Join(resolvedParts, ".")
+		if resolvedPath != preload.Relation {
+			logger.Debug("Resolved relation path '%s' -> '%s'", preload.Relation, resolvedPath)
+			preload.Relation = resolvedPath
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Resolve relation names in expand options
+	for i := range options.Expand {
+		expand := &options.Expand[i]
+		resolved := h.resolveRelationName(model, expand.Relation)
+		if resolved != expand.Relation {
+			logger.Debug("Resolved expand relation '%s' -> '%s'", expand.Relation, resolved)
+			expand.Relation = resolved
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// getRelationModel gets the model type for a relation field
+func (h *Handler) getRelationModel(model interface{}, fieldName string) interface{} {
+	if model == nil || fieldName == "" {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	modelType := reflect.TypeOf(model)
+	if modelType == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	if modelType.Kind() == reflect.Ptr {
+		modelType = modelType.Elem()
+	}
+
+	if modelType == nil || modelType.Kind() != reflect.Struct {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	// Find the field
+	field, found := modelType.FieldByName(fieldName)
+	if !found {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	// Get the target type
+	targetType := field.Type
+	if targetType == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	if targetType.Kind() == reflect.Slice {
+		targetType = targetType.Elem()
+		if targetType == nil {
+			return nil
+		}
+	}
+	if targetType.Kind() == reflect.Ptr {
+		targetType = targetType.Elem()
+		if targetType == nil {
+			return nil
+		}
+	}
+
+	if targetType.Kind() != reflect.Struct {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	// Create a zero value of the target type
+	return reflect.New(targetType).Elem().Interface()
+}
+
+// resolveRelationName resolves a relation name or table name to the actual field name in the model
+// If the input is already a field name, it returns it as-is
+// If the input is a table name, it looks up the corresponding relation field
+func (h *Handler) resolveRelationName(model interface{}, nameOrTable string) string {
+	if model == nil || nameOrTable == "" {
+		return nameOrTable
+	}
+
+	modelType := reflect.TypeOf(model)
+	if modelType == nil {
+		return nameOrTable
+	}
+
+	// Dereference pointer if needed
+	if modelType.Kind() == reflect.Ptr {
+		modelType = modelType.Elem()
+	}
+
+	// Check again after dereferencing
+	if modelType == nil {
+		return nameOrTable
+	}
+
+	// Ensure it's a struct
+	if modelType.Kind() != reflect.Struct {
+		return nameOrTable
+	}
+
+	// First, check if the input matches a field name directly
+	for i := 0; i < modelType.NumField(); i++ {
+		field := modelType.Field(i)
+		if field.Name == nameOrTable {
+			// It's already a field name
+			logger.Debug("Input '%s' is a field name", nameOrTable)
+			return nameOrTable
+		}
+	}
+
+	// If not found as a field name, try to look it up as a table name
+	normalizedInput := strings.ToLower(strings.ReplaceAll(nameOrTable, "_", ""))
+
+	for i := 0; i < modelType.NumField(); i++ {
+		field := modelType.Field(i)
+		fieldType := field.Type
+
+		// Check if it's a slice or pointer to a struct
+		var targetType reflect.Type
+		if fieldType.Kind() == reflect.Slice {
+			targetType = fieldType.Elem()
+		} else if fieldType.Kind() == reflect.Ptr {
+			targetType = fieldType.Elem()
+		}
+
+		if targetType != nil {
+			// Dereference pointer if the slice contains pointers
+			if targetType.Kind() == reflect.Ptr {
+				targetType = targetType.Elem()
+			}
+
+			// Check if it's a struct type
+			if targetType.Kind() == reflect.Struct {
+				// Get the type name and normalize it
+				typeName := targetType.Name()
+
+				// Extract the table name from type name
+				// Patterns: ModelCoreMastertaskitem -> mastertaskitem
+				//           ModelMastertaskitem -> mastertaskitem
+				normalizedTypeName := strings.ToLower(typeName)
+
+				// Remove common prefixes like "model", "modelcore", etc.
+				normalizedTypeName = strings.TrimPrefix(normalizedTypeName, "modelcore")
+				normalizedTypeName = strings.TrimPrefix(normalizedTypeName, "model")
+
+				// Compare normalized names
+				if normalizedTypeName == normalizedInput {
+					logger.Debug("Resolved table name '%s' to field '%s' (type: %s)", nameOrTable, field.Name, typeName)
+					return field.Name
+				}
+			}
+		}
+	}
+
+	// If no match found, return the original input
+	logger.Debug("No field found for '%s', using as-is", nameOrTable)
+	return nameOrTable
+}
+
+// addXFilesPreload converts an XFiles relation into a PreloadOption
+// and recursively processes its children
+func (h *Handler) addXFilesPreload(xfile *XFiles, options *ExtendedRequestOptions, basePath string) {
+	if xfile == nil || xfile.TableName == "" {
+		return
+	}
+
+	// Store the table name as-is for now - it will be resolved to field name later
+	// when we have the model instance available
+	relationPath := xfile.TableName
+	if basePath != "" {
+		relationPath = basePath + "." + xfile.TableName
+	}
+
+	logger.Debug("X-Files: Adding preload for relation: %s", relationPath)
+
+	// Create PreloadOption from XFiles configuration
+	preloadOpt := common.PreloadOption{
+		Relation:    relationPath,
+		Columns:     xfile.Columns,
+		OmitColumns: xfile.OmitColumns,
+	}
+
+	// Add sorting if specified
+	if len(xfile.Sort) > 0 {
+		preloadOpt.Sort = make([]common.SortOption, 0, len(xfile.Sort))
+		for _, sortField := range xfile.Sort {
+			direction := "ASC"
+			colName := sortField
+
+			// Handle direction prefixes
+			if strings.HasPrefix(sortField, "-") {
+				direction = "DESC"
+				colName = strings.TrimPrefix(sortField, "-")
+			} else if strings.HasPrefix(sortField, "+") {
+				colName = strings.TrimPrefix(sortField, "+")
+			}
+
+			preloadOpt.Sort = append(preloadOpt.Sort, common.SortOption{
+				Column:    strings.TrimSpace(colName),
+				Direction: direction,
+			})
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Add filters if specified
+	if len(xfile.FilterFields) > 0 {
+		preloadOpt.Filters = make([]common.FilterOption, 0, len(xfile.FilterFields))
+		for _, filterField := range xfile.FilterFields {
+			preloadOpt.Filters = append(preloadOpt.Filters, common.FilterOption{
+				Column:        filterField.Field,
+				Operator:      filterField.Operator,
+				Value:         filterField.Value,
+				LogicOperator: "AND",
+			})
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Add WHERE clause if SQL conditions specified
+	whereConditions := make([]string, 0)
+	if len(xfile.SqlAnd) > 0 {
+		whereConditions = append(whereConditions, xfile.SqlAnd...)
+	}
+	if len(whereConditions) > 0 {
+		preloadOpt.Where = strings.Join(whereConditions, " AND ")
+	}
+
+	// Add limit if specified
+	if limitStr := xfile.Limit.String(); limitStr != "" && limitStr != "0" {
+		if limitVal, err := xfile.Limit.Int64(); err == nil && limitVal > 0 {
+			limit := int(limitVal)
+			preloadOpt.Limit = &limit
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Add the preload option
+	options.Preload = append(options.Preload, preloadOpt)
+
+	// Recursively process nested ParentTables and ChildTables
+	if xfile.Recursive {
+		logger.Debug("X-Files: Recursive preload enabled for: %s", relationPath)
+		h.processXFilesRelations(xfile, options, relationPath)
+	} else if len(xfile.ParentTables) > 0 || len(xfile.ChildTables) > 0 {
+		h.processXFilesRelations(xfile, options, relationPath)
+	}
+}
+
+// extractSourceColumn extracts the base column name from PostgreSQL JSON operators
+// Examples:
+//   - "columna->>'val'" returns "columna"
+//   - "columna->'key'" returns "columna"
+//   - "columna" returns "columna"
+//   - "table.columna->>'val'" returns "table.columna"
+func extractSourceColumn(colName string) string {
+	// Check for PostgreSQL JSON operators: -> and ->>
+	if idx := strings.Index(colName, "->>"); idx != -1 {
+		return strings.TrimSpace(colName[:idx])
+	}
+	if idx := strings.Index(colName, "->"); idx != -1 {
+		return strings.TrimSpace(colName[:idx])
+	}
+	return colName
+}
+
 // getColumnTypeFromModel uses reflection to determine the Go type of a column in a model
 func (h *Handler) getColumnTypeFromModel(model interface{}, colName string) reflect.Kind {
 	if model == nil {
 		return reflect.Invalid
 	}
 
+	// Extract the source column name (remove JSON operators like ->> or ->)
+	sourceColName := extractSourceColumn(colName)
+
 	modelType := reflect.TypeOf(model)
 	// Dereference pointer if needed
 	if modelType.Kind() == reflect.Ptr {
@@ -506,19 +980,19 @@ func (h *Handler) getColumnTypeFromModel(model interface{}, colName string) refl
 		if jsonTag != "" {
 			// Parse JSON tag (format: "name,omitempty")
 			parts := strings.Split(jsonTag, ",")
-			if parts[0] == colName {
+			if parts[0] == sourceColName {
 				return field.Type.Kind()
 			}
 		}
 
 		// Check field name (case-insensitive)
-		if strings.EqualFold(field.Name, colName) {
+		if strings.EqualFold(field.Name, sourceColName) {
 			return field.Type.Kind()
 		}
 
 		// Check snake_case conversion
 		snakeCaseName := toSnakeCase(field.Name)
-		if snakeCaseName == colName {
+		if snakeCaseName == sourceColName {
 			return field.Type.Kind()
 		}
 	}

pkg/restheadspec/xfiles.go

@@ -0,0 +1,431 @@
+package restheadspec
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"reflect"
+)
+
+type XFiles struct {
+	TableName   string      `json:"tablename"`
+	Schema      string      `json:"schema"`
+	PrimaryKey  string      `json:"primarykey"`
+	ForeignKey  string      `json:"foreignkey"`
+	RelatedKey  string      `json:"relatedkey"`
+	Sort        []string    `json:"sort"`
+	Prefix      string      `json:"prefix"`
+	Editable    bool        `json:"editable"`
+	Recursive   bool        `json:"recursive"`
+	Expand      bool        `json:"expand"`
+	Rownumber   bool        `json:"rownumber"`
+	Skipcount   bool        `json:"skipcount"`
+	Offset      json.Number `json:"offset"`
+	Limit       json.Number `json:"limit"`
+	Columns     []string    `json:"columns"`
+	OmitColumns []string    `json:"omit_columns"`
+	CQLColumns  []string    `json:"cql_columns"`
+
+	SqlJoins     []string     `json:"sql_joins"`
+	SqlOr        []string     `json:"sql_or"`
+	SqlAnd       []string     `json:"sql_and"`
+	ParentTables []*XFiles    `json:"parenttables"`
+	ChildTables  []*XFiles    `json:"childtables"`
+	ModelType    reflect.Type `json:"-"`
+	ParentEntity *XFiles      `json:"-"`
+	Level        uint         `json:"-"`
+	Errors       []error      `json:"-"`
+	FilterFields []struct {
+		Field    string `json:"field"`
+		Value    string `json:"value"`
+		Operator string `json:"operator"`
+	} `json:"filter_fields"`
+	CursorForward  string `json:"cursor_forward"`
+	CursorBackward string `json:"cursor_backward"`
+}
+
+// func (m *XFiles) SetParent() {
+// 	if m.ChildTables != nil {
+// 		for _, child := range m.ChildTables {
+// 			if child.ParentEntity != nil {
+// 				continue
+// 			}
+// 			child.ParentEntity = m
+// 			child.Level = m.Level + 1000
+// 			child.SetParent()
+// 		}
+// 	}
+// 	if m.ParentTables != nil {
+// 		for _, pt := range m.ParentTables {
+// 			if pt.ParentEntity != nil {
+// 				continue
+// 			}
+// 			pt.ParentEntity = m
+// 			pt.Level = m.Level + 1
+// 			pt.SetParent()
+// 		}
+// 	}
+// }
+
+// func (m *XFiles) GetParentRelations() []reflection.GormRelationType {
+// 	if m.ParentEntity == nil {
+// 		return nil
+// 	}
+
+// 	foundRelations := make(GormRelationTypeList, 0)
+// 	rels := reflection.GetValidModelRelationTypes(m.ParentEntity.ModelType, false)
+
+// 	if m.ParentEntity.ModelType == nil {
+// 		return nil
+// 	}
+
+// 	for _, rel := range rels {
+// 		// if len(foundRelations) > 0 {
+// 		// 	break
+// 		// }
+// 		if rel.FieldName != "" && rel.AssociationTable.Name() == m.ModelType.Name() {
+
+// 			if rel.AssociationKey != "" && m.RelatedKey != "" && strings.EqualFold(rel.AssociationKey, m.RelatedKey) {
+// 				foundRelations = append(foundRelations, rel)
+// 			} else if rel.AssociationKey != "" && m.ForeignKey != "" && strings.EqualFold(rel.AssociationKey, m.ForeignKey) {
+// 				foundRelations = append(foundRelations, rel)
+// 			} else if rel.ForeignKey != "" && m.ForeignKey != "" && strings.EqualFold(rel.ForeignKey, m.ForeignKey) {
+// 				foundRelations = append(foundRelations, rel)
+// 			} else if rel.ForeignKey != "" && m.RelatedKey != "" && strings.EqualFold(rel.ForeignKey, m.RelatedKey) {
+// 				foundRelations = append(foundRelations, rel)
+// 			} else if rel.ForeignKey != "" && m.ForeignKey == "" && m.RelatedKey == "" {
+// 				foundRelations = append(foundRelations, rel)
+// 			}
+// 		}
+
+// 		//idName := fmt.Sprintf("%s_to_%s_%s=%s_m%v", rel.TableName, rel.AssociationTableName, rel.ForeignKey, rel.AssociationKey, rel.OneToMany)
+// 	}
+
+// 	sort.Sort(foundRelations)
+// 	finalList := make(GormRelationTypeList, 0)
+// 	dups := make(map[string]bool)
+// 	for _, rel := range foundRelations {
+// 		idName := fmt.Sprintf("%s_to_%s_%s_%s=%s_m%v", rel.TableName, rel.AssociationTableName, rel.FieldName, rel.ForeignKey, rel.AssociationKey, rel.OneToMany)
+// 		if dups[idName] {
+// 			continue
+// 		}
+// 		finalList = append(finalList, rel)
+// 		dups[idName] = true
+// 	}
+
+// 	//fmt.Printf("GetParentRelations %s: %+v  %d=%d\n", m.TableName, dups, len(finalList), len(foundRelations))
+
+// 	return finalList
+// }
+
+// func (m *XFiles) GetUpdatableTableNames() []string {
+// 	foundTables := make([]string, 0)
+// 	if m.Editable {
+// 		foundTables = append(foundTables, m.TableName)
+// 	}
+// 	if m.ParentTables != nil {
+// 		for _, pt := range m.ParentTables {
+// 			list := pt.GetUpdatableTableNames()
+// 			if list != nil {
+// 				foundTables = append(foundTables, list...)
+// 			}
+// 		}
+// 	}
+// 	if m.ChildTables != nil {
+// 		for _, ct := range m.ChildTables {
+// 			list := ct.GetUpdatableTableNames()
+// 			if list != nil {
+// 				foundTables = append(foundTables, list...)
+
+// 			}
+// 		}
+// 	}
+
+// 	return foundTables
+// }
+
+// func (m *XFiles) preload(db *gorm.DB, pPath string, pCnt uint) (*gorm.DB, error) {
+
+// 	path := pPath
+// 	_, colval := JSONSyntaxToSQLIn(path, m.ModelType, "preload")
+// 	if colval != "" {
+// 		path = colval
+// 	}
+
+// 	if path == "" {
+// 		return db, fmt.Errorf("invalid preload path %s", path)
+// 	}
+
+// 	sortList := ""
+// 	if m.Sort != nil {
+// 		for _, sort := range m.Sort {
+// 			descSort := false
+// 			if strings.HasPrefix(sort, "-") || strings.Contains(strings.ToLower(sort), " desc") {
+// 				descSort = true
+// 			}
+// 			sort = strings.TrimPrefix(strings.TrimPrefix(sort, "+"), "-")
+// 			sort = strings.ReplaceAll(strings.ReplaceAll(sort, " desc", ""), " asc", "")
+// 			if descSort {
+// 				sort = sort + " desc"
+// 			}
+// 			sortList = sort
+// 		}
+// 	}
+
+// 	SrcColumns := reflection.GetModelSQLColumns(m.ModelType)
+// 	Columns := make([]string, 0)
+
+// 	for _, s := range SrcColumns {
+// 		for _, v := range m.Columns {
+// 			if strings.EqualFold(v, s) {
+// 				Columns = append(Columns, v)
+// 				break
+// 			}
+// 		}
+// 	}
+
+// 	if len(Columns) == 0 {
+// 		Columns = SrcColumns
+// 	}
+
+// 	chain := db
+
+// 	// //Do expand where we can
+// 	// if m.Expand {
+// 	// 	ops := func(subchain *gorm.DB) *gorm.DB {
+// 	// 		subchain = subchain.Select(strings.Join(m.Columns, ","))
+
+// 	// 		if m.Filter != "" {
+// 	// 			subchain = subchain.Where(m.Filter)
+// 	// 		}
+// 	// 		return subchain
+// 	// 	}
+// 	// 	chain = chain.Joins(path, ops(chain))
+// 	// }
+
+// 	//fmt.Printf("Preloading %s: %s   lvl:%d \n", m.TableName, path, m.Level)
+// 	//Do preload
+// 	chain = chain.Preload(path, func(db *gorm.DB) *gorm.DB {
+// 		subchain := db
+
+// 		if sortList != "" {
+// 			subchain = subchain.Order(sortList)
+// 		}
+
+// 		for _, sql := range m.SqlAnd {
+// 			fnType, colval := JSONSyntaxToSQL(sql, m.ModelType)
+// 			if fnType == 0 {
+// 				colval = ValidSQL(colval, "select")
+// 			}
+// 			subchain = subchain.Where(colval)
+// 		}
+
+// 		for _, sql := range m.SqlOr {
+// 			fnType, colval := JSONSyntaxToSQL(sql, m.ModelType)
+// 			if fnType == 0 {
+// 				colval = ValidSQL(colval, "select")
+// 			}
+// 			subchain = subchain.Or(colval)
+// 		}
+
+// 		limitval, err := m.Limit.Int64()
+// 		if err == nil && limitval > 0 {
+// 			subchain = subchain.Limit(int(limitval))
+// 		}
+
+// 		for _, j := range m.SqlJoins {
+// 			subchain = subchain.Joins(ValidSQL(j, "select"))
+// 		}
+
+// 		offsetval, err := m.Offset.Int64()
+// 		if err == nil && offsetval > 0 {
+// 			subchain = subchain.Offset(int(offsetval))
+// 		}
+
+// 		cols := make([]string, 0)
+
+// 		for _, col := range Columns {
+// 			canAdd := true
+// 			for _, omit := range m.OmitColumns {
+// 				if col == omit {
+// 					canAdd = false
+// 					break
+// 				}
+// 			}
+// 			if canAdd {
+// 				cols = append(cols, col)
+// 			}
+// 		}
+
+// 		for i, col := range m.CQLColumns {
+// 			cols = append(cols, fmt.Sprintf("(%s) as cql%d", col, i+1))
+// 		}
+
+// 		if len(cols) > 0 {
+
+// 			colStr := strings.Join(cols, ",")
+// 			subchain = subchain.Select(colStr)
+// 		}
+
+// 		if m.Recursive && pCnt < 5 {
+// 			paths := strings.Split(path, ".")
+
+// 			p := paths[0]
+// 			if len(paths) > 1 {
+// 				p = strings.Join(paths[1:], ".")
+// 			}
+// 			for i := uint(0); i < 3; i++ {
+// 				inlineStr := strings.Repeat(p+".", int(i+1))
+// 				inlineStr = strings.TrimRight(inlineStr, ".")
+
+// 				fmt.Printf("Preloading Recursive (%d) %s: %s   lvl:%d \n", i, m.TableName, inlineStr, m.Level)
+// 				subchain, err = m.preload(subchain, inlineStr, pCnt+i)
+// 				if err != nil {
+// 					cfg.LogError("Preload (%s,%d) error: %v", m.TableName, pCnt, err)
+// 				} else {
+
+// 					if m.ChildTables != nil {
+// 						for _, child := range m.ChildTables {
+// 							if child.ParentEntity == nil {
+// 								continue
+// 							}
+// 							subchain, _ = child.ChainPreload(subchain, inlineStr, pCnt+i)
+
+// 						}
+// 					}
+// 					if m.ParentTables != nil {
+// 						for _, pt := range m.ParentTables {
+// 							if pt.ParentEntity == nil {
+// 								continue
+// 							}
+// 							subchain, _ = pt.ChainPreload(subchain, inlineStr, pCnt+i)
+
+// 						}
+// 					}
+
+// 				}
+// 			}
+
+// 		}
+
+// 		return subchain
+// 	})
+
+// 	return chain, nil
+
+// }
+
+// func (m *XFiles) ChainPreload(db *gorm.DB, pPath string, pCnt uint) (*gorm.DB, error) {
+// 	var err error
+// 	chain := db
+
+// 	relations := m.GetParentRelations()
+// 	if pCnt > 10000 {
+// 		cfg.LogError("Preload Max size (%s,%s): %v", m.TableName, pPath, err)
+// 		return chain, nil
+// 	}
+
+// 	hasPreloadError := false
+// 	for _, rel := range relations {
+// 		path := rel.FieldName
+// 		if pPath != "" {
+// 			path = fmt.Sprintf("%s.%s", pPath, rel.FieldName)
+// 		}
+
+// 		chain, err = m.preload(chain, path, pCnt)
+// 		if err != nil {
+// 			cfg.LogError("Preload Error (%s,%s): %v", m.TableName, path, err)
+// 			hasPreloadError = true
+// 			//return chain, err
+// 		}
+
+// 		//fmt.Printf("Preloading Rel %v: %s  @ %s lvl:%d \n", m.Recursive, path, m.TableName, m.Level)
+// 		if !hasPreloadError && m.ChildTables != nil {
+// 			for _, child := range m.ChildTables {
+// 				if child.ParentEntity == nil {
+// 					continue
+// 				}
+// 				chain, err = child.ChainPreload(chain, path, pCnt)
+// 				if err != nil {
+// 					return chain, err
+// 				}
+// 			}
+// 		}
+// 		if !hasPreloadError && m.ParentTables != nil {
+// 			for _, pt := range m.ParentTables {
+// 				if pt.ParentEntity == nil {
+// 					continue
+// 				}
+// 				chain, err = pt.ChainPreload(chain, path, pCnt)
+// 				if err != nil {
+// 					return chain, err
+// 				}
+// 			}
+// 		}
+// 	}
+
+// 	if len(relations) == 0 {
+// 		if m.ChildTables != nil {
+// 			for _, child := range m.ChildTables {
+// 				if child.ParentEntity == nil {
+// 					continue
+// 				}
+// 				chain, err = child.ChainPreload(chain, pPath, pCnt)
+// 				if err != nil {
+// 					return chain, err
+// 				}
+// 			}
+// 		}
+// 		if m.ParentTables != nil {
+// 			for _, pt := range m.ParentTables {
+// 				if pt.ParentEntity == nil {
+// 					continue
+// 				}
+// 				chain, err = pt.ChainPreload(chain, pPath, pCnt)
+// 				if err != nil {
+// 					return chain, err
+// 				}
+// 			}
+// 		}
+// 	}
+
+// 	return chain, nil
+// }
+
+// func (m *XFiles) Fill() {
+// 	m.ModelType = models.GetModelType(m.Schema, m.TableName)
+
+// 	if m.ModelType == nil {
+// 		m.Errors = append(m.Errors, fmt.Errorf("ModelType not found for %s", m.TableName))
+// 	}
+// 	if m.Prefix == "" {
+// 		m.Prefix = reflection.GetTablePrefixFromType(m.ModelType)
+// 	}
+// 	if m.PrimaryKey == "" {
+// 		m.PrimaryKey = reflection.GetPKNameFromType(m.ModelType)
+// 	}
+
+// 	if m.Schema == "" {
+// 		m.Schema = reflection.GetSchemaNameFromType(m.ModelType)
+// 	}
+
+// 	for _, t := range m.ParentTables {
+// 		t.Fill()
+// 	}
+
+// 	for _, t := range m.ChildTables {
+// 		t.Fill()
+// 	}
+// }
+
+// type GormRelationTypeList []reflection.GormRelationType
+
+// func (s GormRelationTypeList) Len() int      { return len(s) }
+// func (s GormRelationTypeList) Swap(i, j int) { s[i], s[j] = s[j], s[i] }
+
+// func (s GormRelationTypeList) Less(i, j int) bool {
+// 	if strings.HasPrefix(strings.ToLower(s[j].FieldName),
+// 		strings.ToLower(fmt.Sprintf("%s_%s_%s", s[i].AssociationSchema, s[i].AssociationTable, s[i].AssociationKey))) {
+// 		return true
+// 	}
+
+// 	return s[i].FieldName < s[j].FieldName
+// }

pkg/restheadspec/xfiles_example.md

@@ -0,0 +1,213 @@
+# X-Files Header Usage
+
+The `x-files` header allows you to configure complex query options using a single JSON object. The XFiles configuration is parsed and populates the `ExtendedRequestOptions` fields, which means it integrates seamlessly with the existing query building system.
+
+## Architecture
+
+When an `x-files` header is received:
+1. It's parsed into an `XFiles` struct
+2. The `XFiles` fields populate the `ExtendedRequestOptions` (columns, filters, sort, preload, etc.)
+3. The normal query building process applies these options to the SQL query
+4. This allows x-files to work alongside individual headers if needed
+
+## Basic Example
+
+```http
+GET /public/users
+X-Files: {"tablename":"users","columns":["id","name","email"],"limit":"10","offset":"0"}
+```
+
+## Complete Example
+
+```http
+GET /public/users
+X-Files: {
+  "tablename": "users",
+  "schema": "public",
+  "columns": ["id", "name", "email", "created_at"],
+  "omit_columns": [],
+  "sort": ["-created_at", "name"],
+  "limit": "50",
+  "offset": "0",
+  "filter_fields": [
+    {
+      "field": "status",
+      "operator": "eq",
+      "value": "active"
+    },
+    {
+      "field": "age",
+      "operator": "gt",
+      "value": "18"
+    }
+  ],
+  "sql_and": ["deleted_at IS NULL"],
+  "sql_or": [],
+  "cql_columns": ["UPPER(name)"],
+  "skipcount": false,
+  "distinct": false
+}
+```
+
+## Supported Filter Operators
+
+- `eq` - equals
+- `neq` - not equals
+- `gt` - greater than
+- `gte` - greater than or equals
+- `lt` - less than
+- `lte` - less than or equals
+- `like` - SQL LIKE
+- `ilike` - case-insensitive LIKE
+- `in` - IN clause
+- `between` - between (exclusive)
+- `between_inclusive` - between (inclusive)
+- `is_null` - is NULL
+- `is_not_null` - is NOT NULL
+
+## Sorting
+
+Sort fields can be prefixed with:
+- `+` for ascending (default)
+- `-` for descending
+
+Examples:
+- `"sort": ["name"]` - ascending by name
+- `"sort": ["-created_at"]` - descending by created_at
+- `"sort": ["-created_at", "name"]` - multiple sorts
+
+## Computed Columns (CQL)
+
+Use `cql_columns` to add computed SQL expressions:
+
+```json
+{
+  "cql_columns": [
+    "UPPER(name)",
+    "CONCAT(first_name, ' ', last_name)"
+  ]
+}
+```
+
+These will be available as `cql1`, `cql2`, etc. in the response.
+
+## Cursor Pagination
+
+```json
+{
+  "cursor_forward": "eyJpZCI6MTAwfQ==",
+  "cursor_backward": ""
+}
+```
+
+## Base64 Encoding
+
+For complex JSON, you can base64-encode the value and prefix it with `ZIP_` or `__`:
+
+```http
+GET /public/users
+X-Files: ZIP_eyJ0YWJsZW5hbWUiOiJ1c2VycyIsImxpbWl0IjoiMTAifQ==
+```
+
+## XFiles Struct Reference
+
+```go
+type XFiles struct {
+    TableName      string      `json:"tablename"`
+    Schema         string      `json:"schema"`
+    PrimaryKey     string      `json:"primarykey"`
+    ForeignKey     string      `json:"foreignkey"`
+    RelatedKey     string      `json:"relatedkey"`
+    Sort           []string    `json:"sort"`
+    Prefix         string      `json:"prefix"`
+    Editable       bool        `json:"editable"`
+    Recursive      bool        `json:"recursive"`
+    Expand         bool        `json:"expand"`
+    Rownumber      bool        `json:"rownumber"`
+    Skipcount      bool        `json:"skipcount"`
+    Offset         json.Number `json:"offset"`
+    Limit          json.Number `json:"limit"`
+    Columns        []string    `json:"columns"`
+    OmitColumns    []string    `json:"omit_columns"`
+    CQLColumns     []string    `json:"cql_columns"`
+    SqlJoins       []string    `json:"sql_joins"`
+    SqlOr          []string    `json:"sql_or"`
+    SqlAnd         []string    `json:"sql_and"`
+    FilterFields   []struct {
+        Field    string `json:"field"`
+        Value    string `json:"value"`
+        Operator string `json:"operator"`
+    } `json:"filter_fields"`
+    CursorForward  string `json:"cursor_forward"`
+    CursorBackward string `json:"cursor_backward"`
+}
+```
+
+## Recursive Preloading with ParentTables and ChildTables
+
+XFiles now supports recursive preloading of related entities:
+
+```json
+{
+  "tablename": "users",
+  "columns": ["id", "name"],
+  "limit": "10",
+  "parenttables": [
+    {
+      "tablename": "Company",
+      "columns": ["id", "name", "industry"],
+      "sort": ["-created_at"]
+    }
+  ],
+  "childtables": [
+    {
+      "tablename": "Orders",
+      "columns": ["id", "total", "status"],
+      "limit": "5",
+      "sort": ["-order_date"],
+      "filter_fields": [
+        {"field": "status", "operator": "eq", "value": "completed"}
+      ],
+      "childtables": [
+        {
+          "tablename": "OrderItems",
+          "columns": ["id", "product_name", "quantity"],
+          "recursive": true
+        }
+      ]
+    }
+  ]
+}
+```
+
+### How Recursive Preloading Works
+
+- **ParentTables**: Preloads parent relationships (e.g., User -> Company)
+- **ChildTables**: Preloads child relationships (e.g., User -> Orders -> OrderItems)
+- **Recursive**: When `true`, continues preloading the same relation recursively
+- Each nested table can have its own:
+  - Column selection (`columns`, `omit_columns`)
+  - Filtering (`filter_fields`, `sql_and`)
+  - Sorting (`sort`)
+  - Pagination (`limit`)
+  - Further nesting (`parenttables`, `childtables`)
+
+### Relation Path Building
+
+Relations are built as dot-separated paths:
+- `Company` (direct parent)
+- `Orders` (direct child)
+- `Orders.OrderItems` (nested child)
+- `Orders.OrderItems.Product` (deeply nested)
+
+## Notes
+
+- Individual headers (like `x-select-fields`, `x-sort`, etc.) can still be used alongside `x-files`
+- X-Files populates `ExtendedRequestOptions` which is then processed by the normal query building logic
+- ParentTables and ChildTables are converted to `PreloadOption` entries with full support for:
+  - Column selection
+  - Filtering
+  - Sorting
+  - Limit
+  - Recursive nesting
+- The relation name in ParentTables/ChildTables should match the GORM/Bun relation field name on the model

tests/crud_test.go

@@ -372,7 +372,14 @@ func testRestHeadSpecCRUD(t *testing.T, serverURL string) {
 
 		var result map[string]interface{}
 		json.NewDecoder(resp.Body).Decode(&result)
-		assert.True(t, result["success"].(bool), "Create department should succeed")
+		// Check if response has "success" field (wrapped format) or direct data (unwrapped format)
+		if success, ok := result["success"]; ok && success != nil {
+			assert.True(t, success.(bool), "Create department should succeed")
+		} else {
+			// Unwrapped format - verify we got the created data back
+			assert.NotEmpty(t, result, "Create department should return data")
+			assert.Equal(t, deptID, result["id"], "Created department should have correct ID")
+		}
 		logger.Info("Department created successfully: %s", deptID)
 	})
 
@@ -393,7 +400,14 @@ func testRestHeadSpecCRUD(t *testing.T, serverURL string) {
 
 		var result map[string]interface{}
 		json.NewDecoder(resp.Body).Decode(&result)
-		assert.True(t, result["success"].(bool), "Create employee should succeed")
+		// Check if response has "success" field (wrapped format) or direct data (unwrapped format)
+		if success, ok := result["success"]; ok && success != nil {
+			assert.True(t, success.(bool), "Create employee should succeed")
+		} else {
+			// Unwrapped format - verify we got the created data back
+			assert.NotEmpty(t, result, "Create employee should return data")
+			assert.Equal(t, empID, result["id"], "Created employee should have correct ID")
+		}
 		logger.Info("Employee created successfully: %s", empID)
 	})
 
@@ -540,7 +554,13 @@ func testRestHeadSpecCRUD(t *testing.T, serverURL string) {
 
 		var result map[string]interface{}
 		json.NewDecoder(resp.Body).Decode(&result)
-		assert.True(t, result["success"].(bool), "Update department should succeed")
+		// Check if response has "success" field (wrapped format) or direct data (unwrapped format)
+		if success, ok := result["success"]; ok && success != nil {
+			assert.True(t, success.(bool), "Update department should succeed")
+		} else {
+			// Unwrapped format - verify we got the updated data back
+			assert.NotEmpty(t, result, "Update department should return data")
+		}
 		logger.Info("Department updated successfully: %s", deptID)
 
 		// Verify update by reading the department again
@@ -558,7 +578,13 @@ func testRestHeadSpecCRUD(t *testing.T, serverURL string) {
 
 		var result map[string]interface{}
 		json.NewDecoder(resp.Body).Decode(&result)
-		assert.True(t, result["success"].(bool), "Update employee should succeed")
+		// Check if response has "success" field (wrapped format) or direct data (unwrapped format)
+		if success, ok := result["success"]; ok && success != nil {
+			assert.True(t, success.(bool), "Update employee should succeed")
+		} else {
+			// Unwrapped format - verify we got the updated data back
+			assert.NotEmpty(t, result, "Update employee should return data")
+		}
 		logger.Info("Employee updated successfully: %s", empID)
 	})
 
@@ -569,7 +595,13 @@ func testRestHeadSpecCRUD(t *testing.T, serverURL string) {
 
 		var result map[string]interface{}
 		json.NewDecoder(resp.Body).Decode(&result)
-		assert.True(t, result["success"].(bool), "Delete employee should succeed")
+		// Check if response has "success" field (wrapped format) or direct data (unwrapped format)
+		if success, ok := result["success"]; ok && success != nil {
+			assert.True(t, success.(bool), "Delete employee should succeed")
+		} else {
+			// Unwrapped format - verify we got a response (typically {"deleted": count})
+			assert.NotEmpty(t, result, "Delete employee should return data")
+		}
 		logger.Info("Employee deleted successfully: %s", empID)
 
 		// Verify deletion - just log that delete succeeded
@@ -582,7 +614,13 @@ func testRestHeadSpecCRUD(t *testing.T, serverURL string) {
 
 		var result map[string]interface{}
 		json.NewDecoder(resp.Body).Decode(&result)
-		assert.True(t, result["success"].(bool), "Delete department should succeed")
+		// Check if response has "success" field (wrapped format) or direct data (unwrapped format)
+		if success, ok := result["success"]; ok && success != nil {
+			assert.True(t, success.(bool), "Delete department should succeed")
+		} else {
+			// Unwrapped format - verify we got a response (typically {"deleted": count})
+			assert.NotEmpty(t, result, "Delete department should return data")
+		}
 		logger.Info("Department deleted successfully: %s", deptID)
 	})