> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.firstwork.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Object Graph

> Reference platform data with canonical paths used by rules, automations, dashboards, and dynamic variables

The Object Graph is Firstwork's universal data reference system. It gives platform fields a consistent path format so rules, automations, dashboards, reports, and [dynamic variables](/knowledge-base/dynamic-variables) can point at the same data.

***

## How It Works

Object Graph paths identify data by walking through the platform model:

```
application.candidate.first_name
```

When a path is used inside a dynamic variable, it is wrapped in double curly braces, such as `{{application.candidate.first_name}}`. At runtime, the Object Graph resolver walks the data model and returns the matching value.

***

## Path Examples

Object Graph paths follow relationships between data objects. The object definitions and attributes live in the [Data Model](/knowledge-base/data-objects); this page focuses on path syntax and resolution.

| Object area                    | Example paths                                                                            | Data model reference                                                                                                                                        |
| ------------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Candidate and application data | `application.candidate.first_name`, `application.hiring_flow.name`, `application.status` | [Application](/knowledge-base/data-objects#application), [User](/knowledge-base/data-objects#user), [Hiring Flow](/knowledge-base/data-objects#hiring-flow) |
| Form submissions               | `form_submission.elements.<slug>.value`                                                  | [Form Entities](/knowledge-base/data-objects)                                                                                                               |
| Company and contract data      | `company.name`, `contract.legal_entity.name`, `contract.start_date`                      | [Company](/knowledge-base/data-objects#company), [Contract](/knowledge-base/data-objects#contract)                                                          |

***

## Where You Can Use It

| Feature                    | Example                                                     |
| -------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Dynamic variables**      | Embed paths in templates and messages with `{{...}}`        |
| **Navigation rules**       | Compare field values in rule conditions                     |
| **Visibility rules**       | Show or hide fields based on data values                    |
| **Automation actions**     | Dynamically set field values or configure action parameters |
| **Dashboards and reports** | Display, filter, or sort data-backed columns                |

***

## Capabilities

* **Deep nesting** — Traverse relationships to any depth (e.g., `application.hiring_flow.company.name`)
* **Array traversal** — Access items within lists
* **Computed properties** — Reference calculated values like custom variables
* **Default values** — Provide fallback values when a path resolves to empty