>>Im wondering how one would implement a set of records that are sorted tree like, as oposed to linearly. ie create a family tree where each node can have a marrage link, more than one children link, and a parent link. Not a simple tree, either: there would actualy have to be more that one marrage link, and maried into the family people would only have one link.
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>>Any idea how one would do this, indeed, is it possible?
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>If you are into genealogical work, the word "tree" (as used in Computer Science) does not apply. IMO, the best (relational) way to do it would be to have the following tables:

PEOPLE(idPerson, OtherPersonData, idFather, idMother)
>MARRIAGES(idMalePerson, idFemalePerson, OtherMarriageData)

On the other hand, its graphical representation is "left as an exercise"...

On second thought, you will need some extra information; as a couple may marry, divorce, and marry again, the MARRIAGES table needs an extra key field.