# Data layer definition

- [Introduction to Sidetree](https://codex.desci.com/data-layer-definition/introduction-to-sidetree.md): A primer on the required capabilities of implementing technologies
- [Entities](https://codex.desci.com/data-layer-definition/entities.md): High-level overview and charts explaining the grand scheme of things
- [Profiles](https://codex.desci.com/data-layer-definition/entities/profiles.md): User identification and relations
- [Research object](https://codex.desci.com/data-layer-definition/entities/research-object.md): The main reference to a publication and its version history
- [Research component](https://codex.desci.com/data-layer-definition/entities/research-component.md): Fractional information about the contents of the data DAG of a research object.
- [Claim](https://codex.desci.com/data-layer-definition/entities/claim.md): A reusable badge to be earned
- [Attestation](https://codex.desci.com/data-layer-definition/entities/attestation.md): The grant or assignment process for a badge
- [Annotation](https://codex.desci.com/data-layer-definition/entities/annotation.md): Social commentary mechanism
- [Relational information](https://codex.desci.com/data-layer-definition/entities/relational-information.md): Additional entities signalling relationships between others
- [Research field](https://codex.desci.com/data-layer-definition/entities/relational-information/research-field.md): Indication that a research object is part of a particular field
- [Contributor](https://codex.desci.com/data-layer-definition/entities/relational-information/contributor.md): Directional link between research object and profile, indicating a contribution.
- [Reference](https://codex.desci.com/data-layer-definition/entities/relational-information/reference.md): Directional link between two publications indicating scientific dependence
- [Metadata](https://codex.desci.com/data-layer-definition/metadata.md): A rich, living repository of arbitrary metadata
- [Deterministic resolution](https://codex.desci.com/data-layer-definition/deterministic-resolution.md): Deterministically resolving an entity instance, including particular versions


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://codex.desci.com/data-layer-definition.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.