> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://coldbox-orm.ortusbooks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://coldbox-orm.ortusbooks.com/v2.x/criteria-queries/coldbox-detached-criteria-builder/associations.md).

# Associations

Yes, you can also create associations in Detached Criteria Builder, just like you would with Criteria Builder. Go on, make some uber-complicated queries!

Here we go!...

You can also navigate associations by nesting the criterias using the createCriteria("association\_name") method and then concatenating the properties of the association to query upon. You will basically be switching the pivot point of the query.

```javascript
var c = newCriteria("User");
var users = c.like("name","lui%")
     .createCriteria("admins")
          .like("name","fra%")
     .list();
```

```javascript
var c = newCriteria("User");
var users = c.like("name","lui%")
     .withAdmins().like("name","fra%")
     .list();
```

You can also use a hibernate property approach which aliases the association much how HQL approaches it by using the createAlias("associationName","alias") method:

```javascript
var c = newCriteria("User");
var users = c.like("name","lui%")
     .createAlias("admins","a")
     .eq("a.name","Vero")
     .list();
```

Let's see the method signatures for these guys:

```javascript
createCriteria(required string associationName,numeric joinType)
createAlias(required string associationName, required string alias, numeric joinType)
with{AssociationName}( joinType )
```


---

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