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.

.gitignore

@@ -26,3 +26,4 @@ go.work.sum
 bin/
 test.db
 /testserver
+tests/data/

pkg/common/sql_helpers.go

@@ -130,6 +130,9 @@ func validateWhereClauseSecurity(where string) error {
 // Note: This function will NOT add prefixes to unprefixed columns. It will only fix
 // incorrect prefixes (e.g., wrong_table.column -> correct_table.column), unless the
 // prefix matches a preloaded relation name, in which case it's left unchanged.
+//
+// IMPORTANT: Outer parentheses are preserved if the clause contains top-level OR operators
+// to prevent OR logic from escaping and affecting the entire query incorrectly.
 func SanitizeWhereClause(where string, tableName string, options ...*RequestOptions) string {
 	if where == "" {
 		return ""
@@ -143,8 +146,19 @@ func SanitizeWhereClause(where string, tableName string, options ...*RequestOpti
 		return ""
 	}
 
-	// Strip outer parentheses and re-trim
-	where = stripOuterParentheses(where)
+	// Check if the original clause has outer parentheses and contains OR operators
+	// If so, we need to preserve the outer parentheses to prevent OR logic from escaping
+	hasOuterParens := false
+	if len(where) > 0 && where[0] == '(' && where[len(where)-1] == ')' {
+		_, hasOuterParens = stripOneMatchingOuterParen(where)
+	}
+
+	// Strip outer parentheses and re-trim for processing
+	whereWithoutParens := stripOuterParentheses(where)
+	shouldPreserveParens := hasOuterParens && containsTopLevelOR(whereWithoutParens)
+
+	// Use the stripped version for processing
+	where = whereWithoutParens
 
 	// Get valid columns from the model if tableName is provided
 	var validColumns map[string]bool
@@ -229,7 +243,14 @@ func SanitizeWhereClause(where string, tableName string, options ...*RequestOpti
 
 	result := strings.Join(validConditions, " AND ")
 
-	if result != where {
+	// If the original clause had outer parentheses and contains OR operators,
+	// restore the outer parentheses to prevent OR logic from escaping
+	if shouldPreserveParens {
+		result = "(" + result + ")"
+		logger.Debug("Preserved outer parentheses for OR conditions: '%s'", result)
+	}
+
+	if result != where && !shouldPreserveParens {
 		logger.Debug("Sanitized WHERE clause: '%s' -> '%s'", where, result)
 	}
 
@@ -290,6 +311,93 @@ func stripOneMatchingOuterParen(s string) (string, bool) {
 	return strings.TrimSpace(s[1 : len(s)-1]), true
 }
 
+// EnsureOuterParentheses ensures that a SQL clause is wrapped in parentheses
+// to prevent OR logic from escaping. It checks if the clause already has
+// matching outer parentheses and only adds them if they don't exist.
+//
+// This is particularly important for OR conditions and complex filters where
+// the absence of parentheses could cause the logic to escape and affect
+// the entire query incorrectly.
+//
+// Parameters:
+//   - clause: The SQL clause to check and potentially wrap
+//
+// Returns:
+//   - The clause with guaranteed outer parentheses, or empty string if input is empty
+func EnsureOuterParentheses(clause string) string {
+	if clause == "" {
+		return ""
+	}
+
+	clause = strings.TrimSpace(clause)
+	if clause == "" {
+		return ""
+	}
+
+	// Check if the clause already has matching outer parentheses
+	_, hasOuterParens := stripOneMatchingOuterParen(clause)
+
+	// If it already has matching outer parentheses, return as-is
+	if hasOuterParens {
+		return clause
+	}
+
+	// Otherwise, wrap it in parentheses
+	return "(" + clause + ")"
+}
+
+// containsTopLevelOR checks if a SQL clause contains OR operators at the top level
+// (i.e., not inside parentheses or subqueries). This is used to determine if
+// outer parentheses should be preserved to prevent OR logic from escaping.
+func containsTopLevelOR(clause string) bool {
+	if clause == "" {
+		return false
+	}
+
+	depth := 0
+	inSingleQuote := false
+	inDoubleQuote := false
+	lowerClause := strings.ToLower(clause)
+
+	for i := 0; i < len(clause); i++ {
+		ch := clause[i]
+
+		// Track quote state
+		if ch == '\'' && !inDoubleQuote {
+			inSingleQuote = !inSingleQuote
+			continue
+		}
+		if ch == '"' && !inSingleQuote {
+			inDoubleQuote = !inDoubleQuote
+			continue
+		}
+
+		// Skip if inside quotes
+		if inSingleQuote || inDoubleQuote {
+			continue
+		}
+
+		// Track parenthesis depth
+		switch ch {
+		case '(':
+			depth++
+		case ')':
+			depth--
+		}
+
+		// Only check for OR at depth 0 (not inside parentheses)
+		if depth == 0 && i+4 <= len(clause) {
+			// Check for " OR " (case-insensitive)
+			substring := lowerClause[i : i+4]
+			if substring == " or " {
+				return true
+			}
+		}
+	}
+
+	return false
+}
+
 // splitByAND splits a WHERE clause by AND operators (case-insensitive)
 // This is parenthesis-aware and won't split on AND operators inside subqueries
 func splitByAND(where string) []string {

pkg/common/sql_helpers_test.go

@@ -659,6 +659,179 @@ func TestSanitizeWhereClauseWithModel(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
+func TestEnsureOuterParentheses(t *testing.T) {
+	tests := []struct {
+		name     string
+		input    string
+		expected string
+	}{
+		{
+			name:     "no parentheses",
+			input:    "status = 'active'",
+			expected: "(status = 'active')",
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "already has outer parentheses",
+			input:    "(status = 'active')",
+			expected: "(status = 'active')",
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "OR condition without parentheses",
+			input:    "status = 'active' OR status = 'pending'",
+			expected: "(status = 'active' OR status = 'pending')",
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "OR condition with parentheses",
+			input:    "(status = 'active' OR status = 'pending')",
+			expected: "(status = 'active' OR status = 'pending')",
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "complex condition with nested parentheses",
+			input:    "(status = 'active' OR status = 'pending') AND (age > 18)",
+			expected: "((status = 'active' OR status = 'pending') AND (age > 18))",
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "empty string",
+			input:    "",
+			expected: "",
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "whitespace only",
+			input:    "   ",
+			expected: "",
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "mismatched parentheses - adds outer ones",
+			input:    "(status = 'active' OR status = 'pending'",
+			expected: "((status = 'active' OR status = 'pending')",
+		},
+	}
+
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			result := EnsureOuterParentheses(tt.input)
+			if result != tt.expected {
+				t.Errorf("EnsureOuterParentheses(%q) = %q; want %q", tt.input, result, tt.expected)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func TestContainsTopLevelOR(t *testing.T) {
+	tests := []struct {
+		name     string
+		input    string
+		expected bool
+	}{
+		{
+			name:     "no OR operator",
+			input:    "status = 'active' AND age > 18",
+			expected: false,
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "top-level OR",
+			input:    "status = 'active' OR status = 'pending'",
+			expected: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "OR inside parentheses",
+			input:    "age > 18 AND (status = 'active' OR status = 'pending')",
+			expected: false,
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "OR in subquery",
+			input:    "id IN (SELECT id FROM users WHERE status = 'active' OR status = 'pending')",
+			expected: false,
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "OR inside quotes",
+			input:    "comment = 'this OR that'",
+			expected: false,
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "mixed - top-level OR and nested OR",
+			input:    "name = 'test' OR (status = 'active' OR status = 'pending')",
+			expected: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "empty string",
+			input:    "",
+			expected: false,
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "lowercase or",
+			input:    "status = 'active' or status = 'pending'",
+			expected: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "uppercase OR",
+			input:    "status = 'active' OR status = 'pending'",
+			expected: true,
+		},
+	}
+
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			result := containsTopLevelOR(tt.input)
+			if result != tt.expected {
+				t.Errorf("containsTopLevelOR(%q) = %v; want %v", tt.input, result, tt.expected)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func TestSanitizeWhereClause_PreservesParenthesesWithOR(t *testing.T) {
+	tests := []struct {
+		name      string
+		where     string
+		tableName string
+		expected  string
+	}{
+		{
+			name:      "OR condition with outer parentheses - preserved",
+			where:     "(status = 'active' OR status = 'pending')",
+			tableName: "users",
+			expected:  "(users.status = 'active' OR users.status = 'pending')",
+		},
+		{
+			name:      "AND condition with outer parentheses - stripped (no OR)",
+			where:     "(status = 'active' AND age > 18)",
+			tableName: "users",
+			expected:  "users.status = 'active' AND users.age > 18",
+		},
+		{
+			name:      "complex OR with nested conditions",
+			where:     "((status = 'active' OR status = 'pending') AND age > 18)",
+			tableName: "users",
+			// Outer parens are stripped, but inner parens with OR are preserved
+			expected: "(users.status = 'active' OR users.status = 'pending') AND users.age > 18",
+		},
+		{
+			name:      "OR without outer parentheses - no parentheses added by SanitizeWhereClause",
+			where:     "status = 'active' OR status = 'pending'",
+			tableName: "users",
+			expected:  "users.status = 'active' OR users.status = 'pending'",
+		},
+		{
+			name:      "simple OR with parentheses - preserved",
+			where:     "(users.status = 'active' OR users.status = 'pending')",
+			tableName: "users",
+			// Already has correct prefixes, parentheses preserved
+			expected: "(users.status = 'active' OR users.status = 'pending')",
+		},
+	}
+
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			prefixedWhere := AddTablePrefixToColumns(tt.where, tt.tableName)
+			result := SanitizeWhereClause(prefixedWhere, tt.tableName)
+			if result != tt.expected {
+				t.Errorf("SanitizeWhereClause(%q, %q) = %q; want %q", tt.where, tt.tableName, result, tt.expected)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
 func TestAddTablePrefixToColumns_ComplexConditions(t *testing.T) {
 tests := []struct {
 name      string

pkg/common/types.go

@@ -52,6 +52,10 @@ type PreloadOption struct {
 	PrimaryKey string `json:"primary_key"` // Primary key of the related table
 	RelatedKey string `json:"related_key"` // For child tables: column in child that references parent
 	ForeignKey string `json:"foreign_key"` // For parent tables: column in current table that references parent
+
+	// Custom SQL JOINs from XFiles - used when preload needs additional joins
+	SqlJoins    []string `json:"sql_joins"`    // Custom SQL JOIN clauses
+	JoinAliases []string `json:"join_aliases"` // Extracted table aliases from SqlJoins for validation
 }
 
 type FilterOption struct {

pkg/common/validation.go

@@ -237,15 +237,29 @@ func (v *ColumnValidator) FilterRequestOptions(options RequestOptions) RequestOp
 	for _, sort := range options.Sort {
 		if v.IsValidColumn(sort.Column) {
 			validSorts = append(validSorts, sort)
-		} else if strings.HasPrefix(sort.Column, "(") && strings.HasSuffix(sort.Column, ")") {
-			// Allow sort by expression/subquery, but validate for security
-			if IsSafeSortExpression(sort.Column) {
-				validSorts = append(validSorts, sort)
-			} else {
-				logger.Warn("Unsafe sort expression '%s' removed", sort.Column)
-			}
 		} else {
-			logger.Warn("Invalid column in sort '%s' removed", sort.Column)
+			foundJoin := false
+			for _, j := range options.JoinAliases {
+				if strings.Contains(sort.Column, j) {
+					foundJoin = true
+					break
+				}
+			}
+			if foundJoin {
+				validSorts = append(validSorts, sort)
+				continue
+			}
+			if strings.HasPrefix(sort.Column, "(") && strings.HasSuffix(sort.Column, ")") {
+				// Allow sort by expression/subquery, but validate for security
+				if IsSafeSortExpression(sort.Column) {
+					validSorts = append(validSorts, sort)
+				} else {
+					logger.Warn("Unsafe sort expression '%s' removed", sort.Column)
+				}
+
+			} else {
+				logger.Warn("Invalid column in sort '%s' removed", sort.Column)
+			}
 		}
 	}
 	filtered.Sort = validSorts
@@ -258,13 +272,29 @@ func (v *ColumnValidator) FilterRequestOptions(options RequestOptions) RequestOp
 		filteredPreload.Columns = v.FilterValidColumns(preload.Columns)
 		filteredPreload.OmitColumns = v.FilterValidColumns(preload.OmitColumns)
 
+		// Preserve SqlJoins and JoinAliases for preloads with custom joins
+		filteredPreload.SqlJoins = preload.SqlJoins
+		filteredPreload.JoinAliases = preload.JoinAliases
+
 		// Filter preload filters
 		validPreloadFilters := make([]FilterOption, 0, len(preload.Filters))
 		for _, filter := range preload.Filters {
 			if v.IsValidColumn(filter.Column) {
 				validPreloadFilters = append(validPreloadFilters, filter)
 			} else {
-				logger.Warn("Invalid column in preload '%s' filter '%s' removed", preload.Relation, filter.Column)
+				// Check if the filter column references a joined table alias
+				foundJoin := false
+				for _, alias := range preload.JoinAliases {
+					if strings.Contains(filter.Column, alias) {
+						foundJoin = true
+						break
+					}
+				}
+				if foundJoin {
+					validPreloadFilters = append(validPreloadFilters, filter)
+				} else {
+					logger.Warn("Invalid column in preload '%s' filter '%s' removed", preload.Relation, filter.Column)
+				}
 			}
 		}
 		filteredPreload.Filters = validPreloadFilters
@@ -291,6 +321,9 @@ func (v *ColumnValidator) FilterRequestOptions(options RequestOptions) RequestOp
 	}
 	filtered.Preload = validPreloads
 
+	// Clear JoinAliases - this is an internal validation field and should not be persisted
+	filtered.JoinAliases = nil
+
 	return filtered
 }
 

pkg/common/validation_test.go

@@ -362,6 +362,29 @@ func TestFilterRequestOptions(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
+func TestFilterRequestOptions_ClearsJoinAliases(t *testing.T) {
+	model := TestModel{}
+	validator := NewColumnValidator(model)
+
+	options := RequestOptions{
+		Columns: []string{"id", "name"},
+		// Set JoinAliases - this should be cleared by FilterRequestOptions
+		JoinAliases: []string{"d", "u", "r"},
+	}
+
+	filtered := validator.FilterRequestOptions(options)
+
+	// Verify that JoinAliases was cleared (internal field should not persist)
+	if filtered.JoinAliases != nil {
+		t.Errorf("Expected JoinAliases to be nil after filtering, got %v", filtered.JoinAliases)
+	}
+
+	// Verify that other fields are still properly filtered
+	if len(filtered.Columns) != 2 {
+		t.Errorf("Expected 2 columns, got %d", len(filtered.Columns))
+	}
+}
+
 func TestIsSafeSortExpression(t *testing.T) {
 	tests := []struct {
 		name       string

pkg/dbmanager/config.go

@@ -221,7 +221,10 @@ func (cc *ConnectionConfig) ApplyDefaults(global *ManagerConfig) {
 		cc.ConnectTimeout = 10 * time.Second
 	}
 	if cc.QueryTimeout == 0 {
-		cc.QueryTimeout = 30 * time.Second
+		cc.QueryTimeout = 2 * time.Minute // Default to 2 minutes
+	} else if cc.QueryTimeout < 2*time.Minute {
+		// Enforce minimum of 2 minutes
+		cc.QueryTimeout = 2 * time.Minute
 	}
 
 	// Default ORM
@@ -325,14 +328,29 @@ func (cc *ConnectionConfig) buildPostgresDSN() string {
 		dsn += fmt.Sprintf(" search_path=%s", cc.Schema)
 	}
 
+	// Add statement_timeout for query execution timeout (in milliseconds)
+	if cc.QueryTimeout > 0 {
+		timeoutMs := int(cc.QueryTimeout.Milliseconds())
+		dsn += fmt.Sprintf(" statement_timeout=%d", timeoutMs)
+	}
+
 	return dsn
 }
 
 func (cc *ConnectionConfig) buildSQLiteDSN() string {
-	if cc.FilePath != "" {
-		return cc.FilePath
+	filepath := cc.FilePath
+	if filepath == "" {
+		filepath = ":memory:"
 	}
-	return ":memory:"
+
+	// Add query parameters for timeouts
+	// Note: SQLite driver supports _timeout parameter (in milliseconds)
+	if cc.QueryTimeout > 0 {
+		timeoutMs := int(cc.QueryTimeout.Milliseconds())
+		filepath += fmt.Sprintf("?_timeout=%d", timeoutMs)
+	}
+
+	return filepath
 }
 
 func (cc *ConnectionConfig) buildMSSQLDSN() string {
@@ -344,6 +362,24 @@ func (cc *ConnectionConfig) buildMSSQLDSN() string {
 		dsn += fmt.Sprintf("&schema=%s", cc.Schema)
 	}
 
+	// Add connection timeout (in seconds)
+	if cc.ConnectTimeout > 0 {
+		timeoutSec := int(cc.ConnectTimeout.Seconds())
+		dsn += fmt.Sprintf("&connection timeout=%d", timeoutSec)
+	}
+
+	// Add dial timeout for TCP connection (in seconds)
+	if cc.ConnectTimeout > 0 {
+		dialTimeoutSec := int(cc.ConnectTimeout.Seconds())
+		dsn += fmt.Sprintf("&dial timeout=%d", dialTimeoutSec)
+	}
+
+	// Add read timeout (in seconds) - enforces timeout for reading data
+	if cc.QueryTimeout > 0 {
+		readTimeoutSec := int(cc.QueryTimeout.Seconds())
+		dsn += fmt.Sprintf("&read timeout=%d", readTimeoutSec)
+	}
+
 	return dsn
 }
 

pkg/dbmanager/providers/sqlite.go

@@ -76,8 +76,12 @@ func (p *SQLiteProvider) Connect(ctx context.Context, cfg ConnectionConfig) erro
 		// Don't fail connection if WAL mode cannot be enabled
 	}
 
-	// Set busy timeout to handle locked database
-	_, err = db.ExecContext(ctx, "PRAGMA busy_timeout=5000")
+	// Set busy timeout to handle locked database (minimum 2 minutes = 120000ms)
+	busyTimeout := cfg.GetQueryTimeout().Milliseconds()
+	if busyTimeout < 120000 {
+		busyTimeout = 120000 // Enforce minimum of 2 minutes
+	}
+	_, err = db.ExecContext(ctx, fmt.Sprintf("PRAGMA busy_timeout=%d", busyTimeout))
 	if err != nil {
 		if cfg.GetEnableLogging() {
 			logger.Warn("Failed to set busy timeout for SQLite", "error", err)

pkg/resolvespec/handler.go

@@ -318,6 +318,8 @@ func (h *Handler) handleRead(ctx context.Context, w common.ResponseWriter, id st
 		if cursorFilter != "" {
 			logger.Debug("Applying cursor filter: %s", cursorFilter)
 			sanitizedCursor := common.SanitizeWhereClause(cursorFilter, reflection.ExtractTableNameOnly(tableName), &options)
+			// Ensure outer parentheses to prevent OR logic from escaping
+			sanitizedCursor = common.EnsureOuterParentheses(sanitizedCursor)
 			if sanitizedCursor != "" {
 				query = query.Where(sanitizedCursor)
 			}
@@ -1656,6 +1658,8 @@ func (h *Handler) applyPreloads(model interface{}, query common.SelectQuery, pre
 				// Build RequestOptions with all preloads to allow references to sibling relations
 				preloadOpts := &common.RequestOptions{Preload: preloads}
 				sanitizedWhere := common.SanitizeWhereClause(preload.Where, reflection.ExtractTableNameOnly(preload.Relation), preloadOpts)
+				// Ensure outer parentheses to prevent OR logic from escaping
+				sanitizedWhere = common.EnsureOuterParentheses(sanitizedWhere)
 				if len(sanitizedWhere) > 0 {
 					sq = sq.Where(sanitizedWhere)
 				}

pkg/restheadspec/handler.go

@@ -463,7 +463,8 @@ func (h *Handler) handleRead(ctx context.Context, w common.ResponseWriter, id st
 	}
 
 	// Apply filters - validate and adjust for column types first
-	for i := range options.Filters {
+	// Group consecutive OR filters together to prevent OR logic from escaping
+	for i := 0; i < len(options.Filters); {
 		filter := &options.Filters[i]
 
 		// Validate and adjust filter based on column type
@@ -475,8 +476,39 @@ func (h *Handler) handleRead(ctx context.Context, w common.ResponseWriter, id st
 			logicOp = "AND"
 		}
 
-		logger.Debug("Applying filter: %s %s %v (needsCast=%v, logic=%s)", filter.Column, filter.Operator, filter.Value, castInfo.NeedsCast, logicOp)
-		query = h.applyFilter(query, *filter, tableName, castInfo.NeedsCast, logicOp)
+		// Check if this is the start of an OR group
+		if logicOp == "OR" {
+			// Collect all consecutive OR filters
+			orFilters := []*common.FilterOption{filter}
+			orCastInfo := []ColumnCastInfo{castInfo}
+
+			j := i + 1
+			for j < len(options.Filters) {
+				nextFilter := &options.Filters[j]
+				nextLogicOp := nextFilter.LogicOperator
+				if nextLogicOp == "" {
+					nextLogicOp = "AND"
+				}
+				if nextLogicOp == "OR" {
+					nextCastInfo := h.ValidateAndAdjustFilterForColumnType(nextFilter, model)
+					orFilters = append(orFilters, nextFilter)
+					orCastInfo = append(orCastInfo, nextCastInfo)
+					j++
+				} else {
+					break
+				}
+			}
+
+			// Apply the OR group as a single grouped condition
+			logger.Debug("Applying OR filter group with %d conditions", len(orFilters))
+			query = h.applyOrFilterGroup(query, orFilters, orCastInfo, tableName)
+			i = j
+		} else {
+			// Single AND filter - apply normally
+			logger.Debug("Applying filter: %s %s %v (needsCast=%v, logic=%s)", filter.Column, filter.Operator, filter.Value, castInfo.NeedsCast, logicOp)
+			query = h.applyFilter(query, *filter, tableName, castInfo.NeedsCast, logicOp)
+			i++
+		}
 	}
 
 	// Apply custom SQL WHERE clause (AND condition)
@@ -486,6 +518,8 @@ func (h *Handler) handleRead(ctx context.Context, w common.ResponseWriter, id st
 		prefixedWhere := common.AddTablePrefixToColumns(options.CustomSQLWhere, reflection.ExtractTableNameOnly(tableName))
 		// Then sanitize and allow preload table prefixes since custom SQL may reference multiple tables
 		sanitizedWhere := common.SanitizeWhereClause(prefixedWhere, reflection.ExtractTableNameOnly(tableName), &options.RequestOptions)
+		// Ensure outer parentheses to prevent OR logic from escaping
+		sanitizedWhere = common.EnsureOuterParentheses(sanitizedWhere)
 		if sanitizedWhere != "" {
 			query = query.Where(sanitizedWhere)
 		}
@@ -497,6 +531,8 @@ func (h *Handler) handleRead(ctx context.Context, w common.ResponseWriter, id st
 		customOr := common.AddTablePrefixToColumns(options.CustomSQLOr, reflection.ExtractTableNameOnly(tableName))
 		// Sanitize and allow preload table prefixes since custom SQL may reference multiple tables
 		sanitizedOr := common.SanitizeWhereClause(customOr, reflection.ExtractTableNameOnly(tableName), &options.RequestOptions)
+		// Ensure outer parentheses to prevent OR logic from escaping
+		sanitizedOr = common.EnsureOuterParentheses(sanitizedOr)
 		if sanitizedOr != "" {
 			query = query.WhereOr(sanitizedOr)
 		}
@@ -846,6 +882,15 @@ func (h *Handler) applyPreloadWithRecursion(query common.SelectQuery, preload co
 			}
 		}
 
+		// Apply custom SQL joins from XFiles
+		if len(preload.SqlJoins) > 0 {
+			logger.Debug("Applying %d SQL joins to preload %s", len(preload.SqlJoins), preload.Relation)
+			for _, joinClause := range preload.SqlJoins {
+				sq = sq.Join(joinClause)
+				logger.Debug("Applied SQL join to preload %s: %s", preload.Relation, joinClause)
+			}
+		}
+
 		// Apply filters
 		if len(preload.Filters) > 0 {
 			for _, filter := range preload.Filters {
@@ -893,21 +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
@@ -1996,6 +2077,99 @@ func (h *Handler) applyFilter(query common.SelectQuery, filter common.FilterOpti
 	}
 }
 
+// applyOrFilterGroup applies a group of OR filters as a single grouped condition
+// This ensures OR conditions are properly grouped with parentheses to prevent OR logic from escaping
+func (h *Handler) applyOrFilterGroup(query common.SelectQuery, filters []*common.FilterOption, castInfo []ColumnCastInfo, tableName string) common.SelectQuery {
+	if len(filters) == 0 {
+		return query
+	}
+
+	// Build individual filter conditions
+	conditions := []string{}
+	args := []interface{}{}
+
+	for i, filter := range filters {
+		// Qualify the column name with table name if not already qualified
+		qualifiedColumn := h.qualifyColumnName(filter.Column, tableName)
+
+		// Apply casting to text if needed for non-numeric columns or non-numeric values
+		if castInfo[i].NeedsCast {
+			qualifiedColumn = fmt.Sprintf("CAST(%s AS TEXT)", qualifiedColumn)
+		}
+
+		// Build the condition based on operator
+		condition, filterArgs := h.buildFilterCondition(qualifiedColumn, filter, tableName)
+		if condition != "" {
+			conditions = append(conditions, condition)
+			args = append(args, filterArgs...)
+		}
+	}
+
+	if len(conditions) == 0 {
+		return query
+	}
+
+	// Join all conditions with OR and wrap in parentheses
+	groupedCondition := "(" + strings.Join(conditions, " OR ") + ")"
+	logger.Debug("Applying grouped OR conditions: %s", groupedCondition)
+
+	// Apply as AND condition (the OR is already inside the parentheses)
+	return query.Where(groupedCondition, args...)
+}
+
+// buildFilterCondition builds a single filter condition and returns the condition string and args
+func (h *Handler) buildFilterCondition(qualifiedColumn string, filter *common.FilterOption, tableName string) (filterStr string, filterInterface []interface{}) {
+	switch strings.ToLower(filter.Operator) {
+	case "eq", "equals":
+		return fmt.Sprintf("%s = ?", qualifiedColumn), []interface{}{filter.Value}
+	case "neq", "not_equals", "ne":
+		return fmt.Sprintf("%s != ?", qualifiedColumn), []interface{}{filter.Value}
+	case "gt", "greater_than":
+		return fmt.Sprintf("%s > ?", qualifiedColumn), []interface{}{filter.Value}
+	case "gte", "greater_than_equals", "ge":
+		return fmt.Sprintf("%s >= ?", qualifiedColumn), []interface{}{filter.Value}
+	case "lt", "less_than":
+		return fmt.Sprintf("%s < ?", qualifiedColumn), []interface{}{filter.Value}
+	case "lte", "less_than_equals", "le":
+		return fmt.Sprintf("%s <= ?", qualifiedColumn), []interface{}{filter.Value}
+	case "like":
+		return fmt.Sprintf("%s LIKE ?", qualifiedColumn), []interface{}{filter.Value}
+	case "ilike":
+		return fmt.Sprintf("%s ILIKE ?", qualifiedColumn), []interface{}{filter.Value}
+	case "in":
+		return fmt.Sprintf("%s IN (?)", qualifiedColumn), []interface{}{filter.Value}
+	case "between":
+		// Handle between operator - exclusive (> val1 AND < val2)
+		if values, ok := filter.Value.([]interface{}); ok && len(values) == 2 {
+			return fmt.Sprintf("(%s > ? AND %s < ?)", qualifiedColumn, qualifiedColumn), []interface{}{values[0], values[1]}
+		} else if values, ok := filter.Value.([]string); ok && len(values) == 2 {
+			return fmt.Sprintf("(%s > ? AND %s < ?)", qualifiedColumn, qualifiedColumn), []interface{}{values[0], values[1]}
+		}
+		logger.Warn("Invalid BETWEEN filter value format")
+		return "", nil
+	case "between_inclusive":
+		// Handle between inclusive operator - inclusive (>= val1 AND <= val2)
+		if values, ok := filter.Value.([]interface{}); ok && len(values) == 2 {
+			return fmt.Sprintf("(%s >= ? AND %s <= ?)", qualifiedColumn, qualifiedColumn), []interface{}{values[0], values[1]}
+		} else if values, ok := filter.Value.([]string); ok && len(values) == 2 {
+			return fmt.Sprintf("(%s >= ? AND %s <= ?)", qualifiedColumn, qualifiedColumn), []interface{}{values[0], values[1]}
+		}
+		logger.Warn("Invalid BETWEEN INCLUSIVE filter value format")
+		return "", nil
+	case "is_null", "isnull":
+		// Check for NULL values - don't use cast for NULL checks
+		colName := h.qualifyColumnName(filter.Column, tableName)
+		return fmt.Sprintf("(%s IS NULL OR %s = '')", colName, colName), nil
+	case "is_not_null", "isnotnull":
+		// Check for NOT NULL values - don't use cast for NULL checks
+		colName := h.qualifyColumnName(filter.Column, tableName)
+		return fmt.Sprintf("(%s IS NOT NULL AND %s != '')", colName, colName), nil
+	default:
+		logger.Warn("Unknown filter operator: %s, defaulting to equals", filter.Operator)
+		return fmt.Sprintf("%s = ?", qualifiedColumn), []interface{}{filter.Value}
+	}
+}
+
 // parseTableName splits a table name that may contain schema into separate schema and table
 func (h *Handler) parseTableName(fullTableName string) (schema, table string) {
 	if idx := strings.LastIndex(fullTableName, "."); idx != -1 {

pkg/restheadspec/headers.go

@@ -1088,6 +1088,32 @@ func (h *Handler) addXFilesPreload(xfile *XFiles, options *ExtendedRequestOption
 		logger.Debug("X-Files: Set foreign key for %s: %s", relationPath, xfile.ForeignKey)
 	}
 
+	// Transfer SqlJoins from XFiles to PreloadOption
+	if len(xfile.SqlJoins) > 0 {
+		preloadOpt.SqlJoins = make([]string, 0, len(xfile.SqlJoins))
+		preloadOpt.JoinAliases = make([]string, 0, len(xfile.SqlJoins))
+
+		for _, joinClause := range xfile.SqlJoins {
+			// Sanitize the join clause
+			sanitizedJoin := common.SanitizeWhereClause(joinClause, "", nil)
+			if sanitizedJoin == "" {
+				logger.Warn("X-Files: SqlJoin failed sanitization for %s: %s", relationPath, joinClause)
+				continue
+			}
+
+			preloadOpt.SqlJoins = append(preloadOpt.SqlJoins, sanitizedJoin)
+
+			// Extract join alias for validation
+			alias := extractJoinAlias(sanitizedJoin)
+			if alias != "" {
+				preloadOpt.JoinAliases = append(preloadOpt.JoinAliases, alias)
+				logger.Debug("X-Files: Extracted join alias for %s: %s", relationPath, alias)
+			}
+		}
+
+		logger.Debug("X-Files: Added %d SQL joins to preload %s", len(preloadOpt.SqlJoins), relationPath)
+	}
+
 	// Add the preload option
 	options.Preload = append(options.Preload, preloadOpt)
 

pkg/restheadspec/headers_test.go

@@ -2,6 +2,8 @@ package restheadspec
 
 import (
 	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/bitechdev/ResolveSpec/pkg/common"
 )
 
 func TestDecodeHeaderValue(t *testing.T) {
@@ -37,6 +39,121 @@ func TestDecodeHeaderValue(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
+func TestAddXFilesPreload_WithSqlJoins(t *testing.T) {
+	handler := &Handler{}
+	options := &ExtendedRequestOptions{
+		RequestOptions: common.RequestOptions{
+			Preload: make([]common.PreloadOption, 0),
+		},
+	}
+
+	// Create an XFiles with SqlJoins
+	xfile := &XFiles{
+		TableName: "users",
+		SqlJoins: []string{
+			"LEFT JOIN departments d ON d.id = users.department_id",
+			"INNER JOIN roles r ON r.id = users.role_id",
+		},
+		FilterFields: []struct {
+			Field    string `json:"field"`
+			Value    string `json:"value"`
+			Operator string `json:"operator"`
+		}{
+			{Field: "d.active", Value: "true", Operator: "eq"},
+			{Field: "r.name", Value: "admin", Operator: "eq"},
+		},
+	}
+
+	// Add the XFiles preload
+	handler.addXFilesPreload(xfile, options, "")
+
+	// Verify that a preload was added
+	if len(options.Preload) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("Expected 1 preload, got %d", len(options.Preload))
+	}
+
+	preload := options.Preload[0]
+
+	// Verify relation name
+	if preload.Relation != "users" {
+		t.Errorf("Expected relation 'users', got '%s'", preload.Relation)
+	}
+
+	// Verify SqlJoins were transferred
+	if len(preload.SqlJoins) != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("Expected 2 SQL joins, got %d", len(preload.SqlJoins))
+	}
+
+	// Verify JoinAliases were extracted
+	if len(preload.JoinAliases) != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("Expected 2 join aliases, got %d", len(preload.JoinAliases))
+	}
+
+	// Verify the aliases are correct
+	expectedAliases := []string{"d", "r"}
+	for i, expected := range expectedAliases {
+		if preload.JoinAliases[i] != expected {
+			t.Errorf("Expected alias '%s', got '%s'", expected, preload.JoinAliases[i])
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Verify filters were added
+	if len(preload.Filters) != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("Expected 2 filters, got %d", len(preload.Filters))
+	}
+
+	// Verify filter columns reference joined tables
+	if preload.Filters[0].Column != "d.active" {
+		t.Errorf("Expected filter column 'd.active', got '%s'", preload.Filters[0].Column)
+	}
+	if preload.Filters[1].Column != "r.name" {
+		t.Errorf("Expected filter column 'r.name', got '%s'", preload.Filters[1].Column)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestExtractJoinAlias(t *testing.T) {
+	tests := []struct {
+		name        string
+		joinClause  string
+		expected    string
+	}{
+		{
+			name:       "LEFT JOIN with alias",
+			joinClause: "LEFT JOIN departments d ON d.id = users.department_id",
+			expected:   "d",
+		},
+		{
+			name:       "INNER JOIN with AS keyword",
+			joinClause: "INNER JOIN users AS u ON u.id = orders.user_id",
+			expected:   "u",
+		},
+		{
+			name:       "JOIN without alias",
+			joinClause: "JOIN roles ON roles.id = users.role_id",
+			expected:   "",
+		},
+		{
+			name:       "Complex join with multiple conditions",
+			joinClause: "LEFT OUTER JOIN products p ON p.id = items.product_id AND p.active = true",
+			expected:   "p",
+		},
+		{
+			name:       "Invalid join (no ON clause)",
+			joinClause: "LEFT JOIN departments",
+			expected:   "",
+		},
+	}
+
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			result := extractJoinAlias(tt.joinClause)
+			if result != tt.expected {
+				t.Errorf("Expected alias '%s', got '%s'", tt.expected, result)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
 // Note: The following functions are unexported (lowercase) and cannot be tested directly:
 // - parseSelectFields
 // - parseFieldFilter

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")
+		}
+	})
+}

pkg/server/manager.go

@@ -411,7 +411,9 @@ func newInstance(cfg Config) (*serverInstance, error) {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("handler cannot be nil")
 	}
 
-	// Set default timeouts
+	// Set default timeouts with minimum of 10 minutes for connection timeouts
+	minConnectionTimeout := 10 * time.Minute
+
 	if cfg.ShutdownTimeout == 0 {
 		cfg.ShutdownTimeout = 30 * time.Second
 	}
@@ -419,13 +421,22 @@ func newInstance(cfg Config) (*serverInstance, error) {
 		cfg.DrainTimeout = 25 * time.Second
 	}
 	if cfg.ReadTimeout == 0 {
-		cfg.ReadTimeout = 15 * time.Second
+		cfg.ReadTimeout = minConnectionTimeout
+	} else if cfg.ReadTimeout < minConnectionTimeout {
+		// Enforce minimum of 10 minutes
+		cfg.ReadTimeout = minConnectionTimeout
 	}
 	if cfg.WriteTimeout == 0 {
-		cfg.WriteTimeout = 15 * time.Second
+		cfg.WriteTimeout = minConnectionTimeout
+	} else if cfg.WriteTimeout < minConnectionTimeout {
+		// Enforce minimum of 10 minutes
+		cfg.WriteTimeout = minConnectionTimeout
 	}
 	if cfg.IdleTimeout == 0 {
-		cfg.IdleTimeout = 60 * time.Second
+		cfg.IdleTimeout = minConnectionTimeout
+	} else if cfg.IdleTimeout < minConnectionTimeout {
+		// Enforce minimum of 10 minutes
+		cfg.IdleTimeout = minConnectionTimeout
 	}
 
 	addr := fmt.Sprintf("%s:%d", cfg.Host, cfg.Port)

pkg/spectypes/sql_types.go

@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ package spectypes
 import (
 	"database/sql"
 	"database/sql/driver"
+	"encoding/base64"
 	"encoding/json"
 	"fmt"
 	"reflect"
@@ -60,7 +61,33 @@ func (n *SqlNull[T]) Scan(value any) error {
 		return nil
 	}
 
-	// Try standard sql.Null[T] first.
+	// Check if T is []byte, and decode base64 if applicable
+	// Do this BEFORE trying sql.Null to ensure base64 is handled
+	var zero T
+	if _, ok := any(zero).([]byte); ok {
+		// For []byte types, try to decode from base64
+		var strVal string
+		switch v := value.(type) {
+		case string:
+			strVal = v
+		case []byte:
+			strVal = string(v)
+		default:
+			strVal = fmt.Sprintf("%v", value)
+		}
+		// Try base64 decode
+		if decoded, err := base64.StdEncoding.DecodeString(strVal); err == nil {
+			n.Val = any(decoded).(T)
+			n.Valid = true
+			return nil
+		}
+		// Fallback to raw bytes
+		n.Val = any([]byte(strVal)).(T)
+		n.Valid = true
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	// Try standard sql.Null[T] for other types.
 	var sqlNull sql.Null[T]
 	if err := sqlNull.Scan(value); err == nil {
 		n.Val = sqlNull.V
@@ -122,6 +149,9 @@ func (n *SqlNull[T]) FromString(s string) error {
 			n.Val = any(u).(T)
 			n.Valid = true
 		}
+	case []byte:
+		n.Val = any([]byte(s)).(T)
+		n.Valid = true
 	case string:
 		n.Val = any(s).(T)
 		n.Valid = true
@@ -149,6 +179,14 @@ func (n SqlNull[T]) MarshalJSON() ([]byte, error) {
 	if !n.Valid {
 		return []byte("null"), nil
 	}
+
+	// Check if T is []byte, and encode to base64
+	if _, ok := any(n.Val).([]byte); ok {
+		// Encode []byte as base64
+		encoded := base64.StdEncoding.EncodeToString(any(n.Val).([]byte))
+		return json.Marshal(encoded)
+	}
+
 	return json.Marshal(n.Val)
 }
 
@@ -160,8 +198,25 @@ func (n *SqlNull[T]) UnmarshalJSON(b []byte) error {
 		return nil
 	}
 
-	// Try direct unmarshal.
+	// Check if T is []byte, and decode from base64
 	var val T
+	if _, ok := any(val).([]byte); ok {
+		// Unmarshal as string first (JSON representation)
+		var s string
+		if err := json.Unmarshal(b, &s); err == nil {
+			// Decode from base64
+			if decoded, err := base64.StdEncoding.DecodeString(s); err == nil {
+				n.Val = any(decoded).(T)
+				n.Valid = true
+				return nil
+			}
+			// Fallback to raw string as bytes
+			n.Val = any([]byte(s)).(T)
+			n.Valid = true
+			return nil
+		}
+	}
+
 	if err := json.Unmarshal(b, &val); err == nil {
 		n.Val = val
 		n.Valid = true
@@ -271,13 +326,14 @@ func (n SqlNull[T]) UUID() uuid.UUID {
 
 // Type aliases for common types.
 type (
-	SqlInt16   = SqlNull[int16]
-	SqlInt32   = SqlNull[int32]
-	SqlInt64   = SqlNull[int64]
-	SqlFloat64 = SqlNull[float64]
-	SqlBool    = SqlNull[bool]
-	SqlString  = SqlNull[string]
-	SqlUUID    = SqlNull[uuid.UUID]
+	SqlInt16     = SqlNull[int16]
+	SqlInt32     = SqlNull[int32]
+	SqlInt64     = SqlNull[int64]
+	SqlFloat64   = SqlNull[float64]
+	SqlBool      = SqlNull[bool]
+	SqlString    = SqlNull[string]
+	SqlByteArray = SqlNull[[]byte]
+	SqlUUID      = SqlNull[uuid.UUID]
 )
 
 // SqlTimeStamp - Timestamp with custom formatting (YYYY-MM-DDTHH:MM:SS).
@@ -581,6 +637,10 @@ func NewSqlString(v string) SqlString {
 	return SqlString{Val: v, Valid: true}
 }
 
+func NewSqlByteArray(v []byte) SqlByteArray {
+	return SqlByteArray{Val: v, Valid: true}
+}
+
 func NewSqlUUID(v uuid.UUID) SqlUUID {
 	return SqlUUID{Val: v, Valid: true}
 }

pkg/spectypes/sql_types_test.go

@@ -565,3 +565,394 @@ func TestTryIfInt64(t *testing.T) {
 		})
 	}
 }
+
+// TestSqlString tests SqlString without base64 (plain text)
+func TestSqlString_Scan(t *testing.T) {
+	tests := []struct {
+		name     string
+		input    interface{}
+		expected string
+		valid    bool
+	}{
+		{
+			name:     "plain string",
+			input:    "hello world",
+			expected: "hello world",
+			valid:    true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "plain text",
+			input:    "plain text",
+			expected: "plain text",
+			valid:    true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "bytes as string",
+			input:    []byte("raw bytes"),
+			expected: "raw bytes",
+			valid:    true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "nil value",
+			input:    nil,
+			expected: "",
+			valid:    false,
+		},
+	}
+
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			var s SqlString
+			if err := s.Scan(tt.input); err != nil {
+				t.Fatalf("Scan failed: %v", err)
+			}
+			if s.Valid != tt.valid {
+				t.Errorf("expected valid=%v, got valid=%v", tt.valid, s.Valid)
+			}
+			if tt.valid && s.String() != tt.expected {
+				t.Errorf("expected %q, got %q", tt.expected, s.String())
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func TestSqlString_JSON(t *testing.T) {
+	tests := []struct {
+		name           string
+		inputValue     string
+		expectedJSON   string
+		expectedDecode string
+	}{
+		{
+			name:           "simple string",
+			inputValue:     "hello world",
+			expectedJSON:   `"hello world"`, // plain text, not base64
+			expectedDecode: "hello world",
+		},
+		{
+			name:           "special characters",
+			inputValue:     "test@#$%",
+			expectedJSON:   `"test@#$%"`, // plain text, not base64
+			expectedDecode: "test@#$%",
+		},
+		{
+			name:           "unicode string",
+			inputValue:     "Hello 世界",
+			expectedJSON:   `"Hello 世界"`, // plain text, not base64
+			expectedDecode: "Hello 世界",
+		},
+		{
+			name:           "empty string",
+			inputValue:     "",
+			expectedJSON:   `""`,
+			expectedDecode: "",
+		},
+	}
+
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			// Test MarshalJSON
+			s := NewSqlString(tt.inputValue)
+			data, err := json.Marshal(s)
+			if err != nil {
+				t.Fatalf("Marshal failed: %v", err)
+			}
+			if string(data) != tt.expectedJSON {
+				t.Errorf("Marshal: expected %s, got %s", tt.expectedJSON, string(data))
+			}
+
+			// Test UnmarshalJSON
+			var s2 SqlString
+			if err := json.Unmarshal(data, &s2); err != nil {
+				t.Fatalf("Unmarshal failed: %v", err)
+			}
+			if !s2.Valid {
+				t.Error("expected valid=true after unmarshal")
+			}
+			if s2.String() != tt.expectedDecode {
+				t.Errorf("Unmarshal: expected %q, got %q", tt.expectedDecode, s2.String())
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func TestSqlString_JSON_Null(t *testing.T) {
+	// Test null handling
+	var s SqlString
+	if err := json.Unmarshal([]byte("null"), &s); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Unmarshal null failed: %v", err)
+	}
+	if s.Valid {
+		t.Error("expected invalid after unmarshaling null")
+	}
+
+	// Test marshal null
+	data, err := json.Marshal(s)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Marshal failed: %v", err)
+	}
+	if string(data) != "null" {
+		t.Errorf("expected null, got %s", string(data))
+	}
+}
+
+// TestSqlByteArray_Base64 tests SqlByteArray with base64 encoding/decoding
+func TestSqlByteArray_Base64_Scan(t *testing.T) {
+	tests := []struct {
+		name     string
+		input    interface{}
+		expected []byte
+		valid    bool
+	}{
+		{
+			name:     "base64 encoded bytes from SQL",
+			input:    "aGVsbG8gd29ybGQ=", // "hello world" in base64
+			expected: []byte("hello world"),
+			valid:    true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "plain bytes fallback",
+			input:    "plain text",
+			expected: []byte("plain text"),
+			valid:    true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "bytes base64 encoded",
+			input:    []byte("SGVsbG8gR29waGVy"), // "Hello Gopher" in base64
+			expected: []byte("Hello Gopher"),
+			valid:    true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "bytes plain fallback",
+			input:    []byte("raw bytes"),
+			expected: []byte("raw bytes"),
+			valid:    true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "binary data",
+			input:    "AQIDBA==", // []byte{1, 2, 3, 4} in base64
+			expected: []byte{1, 2, 3, 4},
+			valid:    true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "nil value",
+			input:    nil,
+			expected: nil,
+			valid:    false,
+		},
+	}
+
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			var b SqlByteArray
+			if err := b.Scan(tt.input); err != nil {
+				t.Fatalf("Scan failed: %v", err)
+			}
+			if b.Valid != tt.valid {
+				t.Errorf("expected valid=%v, got valid=%v", tt.valid, b.Valid)
+			}
+			if tt.valid {
+				if string(b.Val) != string(tt.expected) {
+					t.Errorf("expected %q, got %q", tt.expected, b.Val)
+				}
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func TestSqlByteArray_Base64_JSON(t *testing.T) {
+	tests := []struct {
+		name           string
+		inputValue     []byte
+		expectedJSON   string
+		expectedDecode []byte
+	}{
+		{
+			name:           "text bytes",
+			inputValue:     []byte("hello world"),
+			expectedJSON:   `"aGVsbG8gd29ybGQ="`, // base64 encoded
+			expectedDecode: []byte("hello world"),
+		},
+		{
+			name:           "binary data",
+			inputValue:     []byte{0x01, 0x02, 0x03, 0x04, 0xFF},
+			expectedJSON:   `"AQIDBP8="`, // base64 encoded
+			expectedDecode: []byte{0x01, 0x02, 0x03, 0x04, 0xFF},
+		},
+		{
+			name:           "empty bytes",
+			inputValue:     []byte{},
+			expectedJSON:   `""`, // base64 of empty bytes
+			expectedDecode: []byte{},
+		},
+		{
+			name:           "unicode bytes",
+			inputValue:     []byte("Hello 世界"),
+			expectedJSON:   `"SGVsbG8g5LiW55WM"`, // base64 encoded
+			expectedDecode: []byte("Hello 世界"),
+		},
+	}
+
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			// Test MarshalJSON
+			b := NewSqlByteArray(tt.inputValue)
+			data, err := json.Marshal(b)
+			if err != nil {
+				t.Fatalf("Marshal failed: %v", err)
+			}
+			if string(data) != tt.expectedJSON {
+				t.Errorf("Marshal: expected %s, got %s", tt.expectedJSON, string(data))
+			}
+
+			// Test UnmarshalJSON
+			var b2 SqlByteArray
+			if err := json.Unmarshal(data, &b2); err != nil {
+				t.Fatalf("Unmarshal failed: %v", err)
+			}
+			if !b2.Valid {
+				t.Error("expected valid=true after unmarshal")
+			}
+			if string(b2.Val) != string(tt.expectedDecode) {
+				t.Errorf("Unmarshal: expected %v, got %v", tt.expectedDecode, b2.Val)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func TestSqlByteArray_Base64_JSON_Null(t *testing.T) {
+	// Test null handling
+	var b SqlByteArray
+	if err := json.Unmarshal([]byte("null"), &b); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Unmarshal null failed: %v", err)
+	}
+	if b.Valid {
+		t.Error("expected invalid after unmarshaling null")
+	}
+
+	// Test marshal null
+	data, err := json.Marshal(b)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Marshal failed: %v", err)
+	}
+	if string(data) != "null" {
+		t.Errorf("expected null, got %s", string(data))
+	}
+}
+
+func TestSqlByteArray_Value(t *testing.T) {
+	tests := []struct {
+		name     string
+		input    SqlByteArray
+		expected interface{}
+	}{
+		{
+			name:     "valid bytes",
+			input:    NewSqlByteArray([]byte("test data")),
+			expected: []byte("test data"),
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "empty bytes",
+			input:    NewSqlByteArray([]byte{}),
+			expected: []byte{},
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "invalid",
+			input:    SqlByteArray{Valid: false},
+			expected: nil,
+		},
+	}
+
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			val, err := tt.input.Value()
+			if err != nil {
+				t.Fatalf("Value failed: %v", err)
+			}
+			if tt.expected == nil && val != nil {
+				t.Errorf("expected nil, got %v", val)
+			}
+			if tt.expected != nil && val == nil {
+				t.Errorf("expected %v, got nil", tt.expected)
+			}
+			if tt.expected != nil && val != nil {
+				if string(val.([]byte)) != string(tt.expected.([]byte)) {
+					t.Errorf("expected %v, got %v", tt.expected, val)
+				}
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+// TestSqlString_RoundTrip tests complete round-trip: Go -> JSON -> Go -> SQL -> Go
+func TestSqlString_RoundTrip(t *testing.T) {
+	original := "Test String with Special Chars: @#$%^&*()"
+
+	// Go -> JSON
+	s1 := NewSqlString(original)
+	jsonData, err := json.Marshal(s1)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Marshal failed: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// JSON -> Go
+	var s2 SqlString
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(jsonData, &s2); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Unmarshal failed: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Go -> SQL (Value)
+	_, err = s2.Value()
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Value failed: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// SQL -> Go (Scan plain text)
+	var s3 SqlString
+	// Simulate SQL driver returning plain text value
+	if err := s3.Scan(original); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Scan failed: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Verify round-trip
+	if s3.String() != original {
+		t.Errorf("Round-trip failed: expected %q, got %q", original, s3.String())
+	}
+}
+
+// TestSqlByteArray_Base64_RoundTrip tests complete round-trip: Go -> JSON -> Go -> SQL -> Go
+func TestSqlByteArray_Base64_RoundTrip(t *testing.T) {
+	original := []byte{0x48, 0x65, 0x6C, 0x6C, 0x6F, 0x20, 0xFF, 0xFE} // "Hello " + binary data
+
+	// Go -> JSON
+	b1 := NewSqlByteArray(original)
+	jsonData, err := json.Marshal(b1)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Marshal failed: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// JSON -> Go
+	var b2 SqlByteArray
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(jsonData, &b2); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Unmarshal failed: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Go -> SQL (Value)
+	_, err = b2.Value()
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Value failed: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// SQL -> Go (Scan with base64)
+	var b3 SqlByteArray
+	// Simulate SQL driver returning base64 encoded value
+	if err := b3.Scan("SGVsbG8g//4="); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Scan failed: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Verify round-trip
+	if string(b3.Val) != string(original) {
+		t.Errorf("Round-trip failed: expected %v, got %v", original, b3.Val)
+	}
+}
+