From cd7f0a04dc72c5c13ec21d6edca41898f88b2f3e Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Lilleman auf Larv <lilleman@larvit.se>
Date: Mon, 5 Oct 2026 22:21:10 +0200
Subject: [PATCH] Link each template in steps that each return what they build,
 create a name scope with its owner in one place, and settle each record's
 columns at load, so Generator.records goes

---
 data.go       |   1 +
 datatype.go   |   6 +-
 fejkdata.go   |   3 +-
 format.go     |  97 +++++++++++++++++++---------
 inline.go     |  18 ++----
 name.go       | 175 ++++++++++++++++++++------------------------------
 namefence.go  |  23 ++-----
 node.go       |  20 +++---
 pick.go       |   5 +-
 record.go     | 140 ++++++++++++++++++++--------------------
 reference.go  | 132 ++++++++++++++++++++++++-------------
 render.go     |   9 +--
 shape_test.go |   4 +-
 struct.go     |  11 ++--
 todo.md       |   2 +-
 valueproof.go |   6 +-
 16 files changed, 339 insertions(+), 313 deletions(-)

diff --git a/data.go b/data.go
index 21a6138..0e927f3 100644
--- a/data.go
+++ b/data.go
@@ -148,6 +148,7 @@ func (b binding) bind() error {
 	if err := checkNoCycles(b.scope); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
+	settleRecords(b.scope)
 	if !b.typedByGo {
 		if err := checkColumns(b.scope); err != nil {
 			return err
diff --git a/datatype.go b/datatype.go
index 1e58d36..94027fa 100644
--- a/datatype.go
+++ b/datatype.go
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ func checkColumns(s nodeScope) error {
 		checked[column] = true
 		items, _ := columnItems(column)
 		for _, it := range items {
-			if r := it.link.readsColumn; r != nil && r.category != "" {
+			if r := it.readsColumn; r != nil && r.category != "" {
 				if err := check(r.category, r.field, r.column); err != nil {
 					return err
 				}
@@ -110,8 +110,8 @@ func columnDatatype(n node) DataType {
 
 // itemDatatype is the datatype a column item declares, else that of the column it reads.
 func itemDatatype(t *template) DataType {
-	if t.datatype == DataTypeString && t.link.readsColumn != nil {
-		return columnDatatype(t.link.readsColumn.column)
+	if t.datatype == DataTypeString && t.readsColumn != nil {
+		return columnDatatype(t.readsColumn.column)
 	}
 	return t.datatype
 }
diff --git a/fejkdata.go b/fejkdata.go
index 8a8eb42..64ea95a 100644
--- a/fejkdata.go
+++ b/fejkdata.go
@@ -28,12 +28,11 @@ var ErrNoData = errors.New("no data: WithoutShippedData needs at least one WithD
 // It is safe for concurrent use; a seeded sequence is reproducible only when drawn
 // from one goroutine.
 type Generator struct {
-	// mu guards drawState, records, structs and root, which gains a shipped category on the
+	// mu guards drawState, structs and root, which gains a shipped category on the
 	// first call reaching it.
 	mu        sync.Mutex
 	drawState *drawstate.State
 	root      folder // the categories as the node a path walks from, owned here so a walk allocates none
-	records   map[node]recordShape
 	structs   map[reflect.Type]structResult
 }
 
diff --git a/format.go b/format.go
index b2e4cd6..ddee4f5 100644
--- a/format.go
+++ b/format.go
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ import (
 
 	"github.com/larvit/fejkdata/internal/builtinfunc"
 	"github.com/larvit/fejkdata/internal/grammar"
+	"github.com/larvit/fejkdata/internal/invariant"
 )
 
 // checkFunc validates a call at compile time: a known builtin, its args, and, for calc, the
@@ -224,7 +225,7 @@ const (
 )
 
 // splitArm splits one name into head and tail. refs maps a reference to what
-// linkRefs resolved it to; before linking, a reference is whole.
+// resolveLink resolved it to; before linking, a reference is whole.
 func splitArm(name string, refs map[string]refBinding) arm {
 	if grammar.IsRef(name) {
 		b, linked := refs[name]
@@ -278,43 +279,75 @@ type formatOps struct {
 	grow int
 }
 
-func (c *formatOps) function(tok grammar.Token, refs map[string]refBinding, isName func(string) bool) {
-	var operands []arm
-	for _, operand := range builtinfunc.Operands(tok.Fn, tok.Args) {
-		a := splitArm(operand, refs)
-		if isName(a.head) {
-			a.kind = namedRead
-		}
-		operands = append(operands, a)
-	}
-	c.ops = append(c.ops, op{Token: tok, call: builtinfunc.Prep(tok.Fn, tok.Args), operands: operands})
-}
-
-func (c *formatOps) field(tok grammar.Token, refs map[string]refBinding, isName func(string) bool) {
-	arms := make([]arm, len(tok.Arms))
-	for i, name := range tok.Arms {
-		arms[i] = splitArm(name, refs)
-		if isName(arms[i].head) {
-			arms[i].kind = namedRead
-		}
-	}
-	c.ops = append(c.ops, op{Token: tok, arms: arms})
-}
-
-// compileFormat compiles a parsed format; a {ref as n} token compiles to no op. Call
-// checkTokens first: it is what proves every token valid.
-func compileFormat(toks []grammar.Token, refs map[string]refBinding, isName func(head string) bool) formatOps {
+// compileFormat compiles t's parsed format against its link and its names' targets; a {ref as n}
+// token compiles to no op. checkTokens proved every token valid.
+func compileFormat(t *template, targets map[*nameBinding]nameTarget) (formatOps, error) {
 	var c formatOps
-	for _, tok := range toks {
+	for _, tok := range t.tokens {
+		o := op{Token: tok}
+		var err error
 		switch tok.Kind {
 		case grammar.LiteralRun:
 			c.grow += len(tok.Lit)
-			c.ops = append(c.ops, op{Token: tok})
 		case grammar.BuiltinCall:
-			c.function(tok, refs, isName)
+			o.call = builtinfunc.Prep(tok.Fn, tok.Args)
+			o.operands, err = t.compileArms(builtinfunc.Operands(tok.Fn, tok.Args), targets)
 		case grammar.NameRead:
-			c.field(tok, refs, isName)
+			o.arms, err = t.compileArms(tok.Arms, targets)
+		case grammar.NameBind:
+			continue
 		}
+		if err != nil {
+			return c, fmt.Errorf("token {%s}: %w", tok.Body, err)
+		}
+		c.ops = append(c.ops, o)
 	}
-	return c
+	return c, nil
+}
+
+func (t *template) compileArms(names []string, targets map[*nameBinding]nameTarget) ([]arm, error) {
+	if len(names) == 0 {
+		return nil, nil
+	}
+	arms := make([]arm, len(names))
+	for i, name := range names {
+		a, err := t.compileArm(name, targets)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		arms[i] = a
+	}
+	return arms, nil
+}
+
+// compileArm compiles one read: a path from the head it names, or from what the name it reads
+// through binds.
+func (t *template) compileArm(name string, targets map[*nameBinding]nameTarget) (arm, error) {
+	a := splitArm(name, t.link.refs)
+	if !t.isName(a.head) {
+		head := t.head(a.head)
+		if head == nil {
+			panic(invariant.Broken("{%s} reads a head nothing bound", a.spelling))
+		}
+		w := compilePath(head, a.tail)
+		a.steps, a.leaves = w.steps, w.leaves
+		return a, nil
+	}
+	b := t.nameScope.lookup(a.head)
+	if grammar.HasSelector(a.tail) {
+		return a, fmt.Errorf("a path through name %q may not select a row; read it directly, {%s.%s}, or bind the row to a name of its own", a.head, b.ref, grammar.JoinSegments(a.tail))
+	}
+	target := targets[b]
+	full := append(target.tail[:len(target.tail):len(target.tail)], a.tail...)
+	if err := checkPathResolves(target.head, full, a.head); err != nil {
+		return a, err
+	}
+	w := compilePath(target.head, full)
+	a.kind, a.named, a.steps, a.leaves = namedRead, b, w.steps, w.leaves
+	a.levels = make([]string, len(full)+1)
+	for i := range a.levels {
+		a.levels[i] = grammar.JoinSegments(full[:i])
+	}
+	a.path = grammar.JoinSegments(full)
+	return a, nil
 }
diff --git a/inline.go b/inline.go
index 9c7203a..20ebce6 100644
--- a/inline.go
+++ b/inline.go
@@ -122,26 +122,16 @@ func refuseFolderRefs(scope nodeScope) error {
 	})
 }
 
-// linkNodeRefs binds the references in an inline node's templates against the
-// loaded tree.
+// linkNodeRefs links the templates of an inline node against the loaded tree.
 func linkNodeRefs(scope nodeScope, root map[string]node) error {
+	var ts []linkSite
 	if err := scope(func(label string, m node) error {
 		if t, ok := m.(*template); ok {
-			return linkTemplate(nil, label, "", t, root)
+			ts = append(ts, linkSite{t: t, label: label})
 		}
 		return nil
 	}); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
-	for _, pass := range linkPasses {
-		if err := scope(func(label string, m node) error {
-			if t, ok := m.(*template); ok {
-				return pass(label, t)
-			}
-			return nil
-		}); err != nil {
-			return err
-		}
-	}
-	return nil
+	return linkTemplates(ts, root)
 }
diff --git a/name.go b/name.go
index ce91ad0..970677c 100644
--- a/name.go
+++ b/name.go
@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@ type nameScope struct {
 }
 
 type nameBinding struct {
+	// Filled by `bindNames`, from the compiled category:
 	name   string
 	ref    string // what it binds, as written: a reference, or a path into a field of binder
 	body   string
@@ -27,9 +28,10 @@ type nameBinding struct {
 	scope  *nameScope
 	index  int
 	binder *template
-	uses   []nameUse
-	head   node
-	tail   []string
+
+	// Filled by `linkTemplates`, from the assembled tree:
+	head node
+	tail []string
 	// addressed is every key a read of the name lands on or passes, the spelling of the
 	// first read reaching it beside it; a pick keeps the draws at these keys, and only these.
 	addressed map[string]string
@@ -61,17 +63,16 @@ func (sc *nameScope) lookup(name string) *nameBinding {
 // choice's item, a name a field spells too, a read no field or name answers, and a binding
 // read by nothing.
 func bindNames(root node) error {
-	top := &nameScope{owner: root}
-	scopes := []*nameScope{top}
+	var scopes []*nameScope
 	var gather func(n node, scope *nameScope, inChoice bool, where string) error
 	gather = func(n node, scope *nameScope, inChoice bool, where string) error {
+		if t, isTemplate := n.(*template); n == root || isTemplate && t.repeat > 1 {
+			scope = &nameScope{up: scope, owner: n}
+			scopes = append(scopes, scope)
+			inChoice = false
+		}
 		switch t := n.(type) {
 		case *template:
-			if t.repeat > 1 && n != root {
-				scope = &nameScope{up: scope, owner: t}
-				scopes = append(scopes, scope)
-				inChoice = false
-			}
 			t.nameScope = scope
 			if err := scope.bindAll(t, inChoice, where); err != nil {
 				return err
@@ -82,7 +83,7 @@ func bindNames(root node) error {
 		_, isChoice := n.(*choice)
 		return eachContained(n, where, func(c node, where string) error { return gather(c, scope, inChoice || isChoice, where) })
 	}
-	if err := gather(root, top, false, ""); err != nil {
+	if err := gather(root, nil, false, ""); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 	for _, sc := range scopes[1:] {
@@ -92,15 +93,11 @@ func bindNames(root node) error {
 			}
 		}
 	}
-	if err := resolveReads(root, "", scopes); err != nil {
+	reads, err := resolveReads(root, scopes)
+	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
-	for _, sc := range scopes {
-		if err := sc.settle(); err != nil {
-			return err
-		}
-	}
-	return nil
+	return checkNameUses(scopes, reads)
 }
 
 // bindAll binds every name t's tokens bind.
@@ -133,16 +130,30 @@ func (sc *nameScope) spelled() string {
 	return "in one repeat"
 }
 
-// settle refuses a binding read by nothing, and hands a scope binding names to its owner, which
-// renders a frame of it.
-func (sc *nameScope) settle() error {
-	for _, b := range sc.order {
-		if len(b.uses) == 0 {
-			return fmt.Errorf("%stoken {%s}: nothing reads name %q; drop the token", b.where, b.body, b.name)
+// checkNameUses refuses a binding read by nothing, then each binding checkUses refuses.
+func checkNameUses(scopes []*nameScope, reads map[*nameBinding][]nameUse) error {
+	for _, sc := range scopes {
+		for _, b := range sc.order {
+			if len(reads[b]) == 0 {
+				return fmt.Errorf("%stoken {%s}: nothing reads name %q; drop the token", b.where, b.body, b.name)
+			}
 		}
 	}
-	if t, isTemplate := sc.owner.(*template); isTemplate && len(sc.order) > 0 {
-		t.ownNameScope = sc
+	for _, sc := range scopes {
+		for _, b := range sc.order {
+			if err := b.checkUses(reads[b]); err != nil {
+				return fmt.Errorf("%stoken {%s}: %w", b.where, b.body, err)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+// ownScope is the scope t renders a frame of, nil where that scope binds no name: a category's,
+// on its root, or a repeat's, per iteration.
+func (t *template) ownScope() *nameScope {
+	if sc := t.nameScope; sc != nil && sc.owner == node(t) && len(sc.order) > 0 {
+		return sc
 	}
 	return nil
 }
@@ -162,34 +173,40 @@ func eachContained(n node, where string, fn func(c node, where string) error) er
 	return nil
 }
 
-// resolveReads answers each unbound read under n with a name its template sees, fields before the
-// format as compile reports them, and refuses a field spelling a name. scopes are every scope of
-// the category, which a refusal searches for a name bound where the read cannot see it.
-func resolveReads(n node, where string, scopes []*nameScope) error {
-	t, isTemplate := n.(*template)
-	if err := eachContained(n, where, func(c node, where string) error { return resolveReads(c, where, scopes) }); err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	if !isTemplate {
+// resolveReads answers each unbound read under root with a name its template sees, fields before
+// the format as compile reports them, returning every binding's reads, and refuses a field spelling
+// a name. scopes are every scope of the category, which a refusal searches for a name bound where
+// the read cannot see it.
+func resolveReads(root node, scopes []*nameScope) (map[*nameBinding][]nameUse, error) {
+	reads := map[*nameBinding][]nameUse{}
+	var resolve func(n node, where string) error
+	resolve = func(n node, where string) error {
+		t, isTemplate := n.(*template)
+		if err := eachContained(n, where, resolve); err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		if !isTemplate {
+			return nil
+		}
+		for _, name := range sortedNames(t.fields) {
+			if b := t.nameScope.lookup(name); b != nil {
+				holder := "the root template"
+				if where != "" {
+					holder = strings.TrimSuffix(where, ": ")
+				}
+				return fmt.Errorf("%stoken {%s}: name %q is a field of %s too; options, fields and names share one namespace, so rename one", b.where, b.body, name, holder)
+			}
+		}
+		for _, u := range t.unbound {
+			b := t.nameScope.lookup(u.head)
+			if b == nil {
+				return unresolved(where, u, t.nameScope, scopes)
+			}
+			reads[b] = append(reads[b], nameUse{tail: u.tail, in: t, operand: u.operand, noRef: u.noRef, nested: t.nameScope != b.scope})
+		}
 		return nil
 	}
-	for _, name := range sortedNames(t.fields) {
-		if b := t.nameScope.lookup(name); b != nil {
-			holder := "the root template"
-			if where != "" {
-				holder = strings.TrimSuffix(where, ": ")
-			}
-			return fmt.Errorf("%stoken {%s}: name %q is a field of %s too; options, fields and names share one namespace, so rename one", b.where, b.body, name, holder)
-		}
-	}
-	for _, u := range t.unbound {
-		b := t.nameScope.lookup(u.head)
-		if b == nil {
-			return unresolved(where, u, t.nameScope, scopes)
-		}
-		b.uses = append(b.uses, nameUse{tail: u.tail, in: t, operand: u.operand, noRef: u.noRef, nested: t.nameScope != b.scope})
-	}
-	return nil
+	return reads, resolve(root, "")
 }
 
 // unresolved is the refusal of u, a read no field or name answers: naming the repeat binding the
@@ -224,18 +241,6 @@ func (t *template) isName(head string) bool {
 	return !grammar.IsRef(head) && t.fields[head] == nil && t.nameScope.lookup(head) != nil
 }
 
-// linkBindings resolves what each of t's bindings binds to a head node and a tail path.
-func linkBindings(t *template) {
-	for _, tok := range t.tokens {
-		if tok.Kind != grammar.NameBind {
-			continue
-		}
-		b := t.nameScope.bindings[tok.Bound]
-		a := splitArm(b.ref, t.link.refs)
-		b.head, b.tail = t.head(a.head), a.tail
-	}
-}
-
 // namedReads calls fn with every read of a name t's format makes, and the token holding it.
 func namedReads(t *template, fn func(o *op, a *arm) error) error {
 	for i := range t.compiled.ops {
@@ -252,45 +257,3 @@ func namedReads(t *template, fn func(o *op, a *arm) error) error {
 	}
 	return nil
 }
-
-// linkPasses run in order once every template is linked, each over every template before the next
-// starts: a pass reads what the one before filled in.
-var linkPasses = []func(label string, t *template) error{linkNames, linkColumnRead, checkNameReads, checkCalcNames}
-
-// linkNames compiles t's reads of a name as paths from the head its binding resolved to, once every
-// template is linked, so each binder has resolved what it binds.
-func linkNames(label string, t *template) error {
-	return namedReads(t, func(o *op, a *arm) error {
-		if err := linkName(t, a); err != nil {
-			return fmt.Errorf("%s: token {%s}: %w", label, o.Body, err)
-		}
-		return nil
-	})
-}
-
-func linkName(t *template, a *arm) error {
-	b := t.nameScope.lookup(a.head)
-	if grammar.HasSelector(a.tail) {
-		return fmt.Errorf("a path through name %q may not select a row; read it directly, {%s.%s}, or bind the row to a name of its own", a.head, b.ref, grammar.JoinSegments(a.tail))
-	}
-	full := append(b.tail[:len(b.tail):len(b.tail)], a.tail...)
-	if err := checkPathResolves(b.head, full, a.head); err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	w := compilePath(b.head, full)
-	a.named, a.steps, a.leaves = b, w.steps, w.leaves
-	a.levels = make([]string, len(full)+1)
-	for i := range a.levels {
-		a.levels[i] = grammar.JoinSegments(full[:i])
-	}
-	a.path = grammar.JoinSegments(full)
-	if b.addressed == nil {
-		b.addressed = map[string]string{}
-	}
-	for _, key := range append(a.levels[len(b.tail):], a.path) {
-		if _, seen := b.addressed[key]; !seen {
-			b.addressed[key] = a.spelling
-		}
-	}
-	return nil
-}
diff --git a/namefence.go b/namefence.go
index 420e1b0..163f86e 100644
--- a/namefence.go
+++ b/namefence.go
@@ -8,18 +8,9 @@ import (
 	"github.com/larvit/fejkdata/internal/grammar"
 )
 
-// checkNameReads refuses each binding of t that checkUses refuses, a read of a name inside the
-// field bound to it, and a read {n} beside {n.w} where n's pick renders w twice: the pick keeps one
-// draw of w.
+// checkNameReads refuses a read of a name inside the field bound to it, and a read {n} beside {n.w}
+// where n's pick renders w twice: the pick keeps one draw of w.
 func checkNameReads(label string, t *template) error {
-	for _, tok := range t.tokens {
-		if tok.Kind != grammar.NameBind {
-			continue
-		}
-		if err := t.nameScope.bindings[tok.Bound].checkUses(); err != nil {
-			return fmt.Errorf("%s: token {%s}: %w", label, tok.Body, err)
-		}
-	}
 	return namedReads(t, func(o *op, a *arm) error {
 		if a.named.bindsField() && rendersInside(compilePath(a.named.head, a.named.tail).leaves, t) {
 			return fmt.Errorf("%s: token {%s}: name %q is read inside %q, the field bound to it; read the name outside that field", label, o.Body, a.named.name, a.named.ref)
@@ -60,13 +51,13 @@ func rendersInside(nodes []node, t *template) bool {
 	return false
 }
 
-// checkUses refuses a binding read once at a spot the bound spelling can stand: that spelling
-// draws the same way without the name. A bound field can stand in only where the reading
+// checkUses refuses a binding whose uses read it once at a spot the bound spelling can stand: that
+// spelling draws the same way without the name. A bound field can stand in only where the reading
 // template reaches the binder through fields. Where the spelling would be a CLI argument or tag
 // of one reference alone, that entry point's own refusal then names the bare path.
-func (b *nameBinding) checkUses() error {
-	r := b.uses[0]
-	if len(b.uses) > 1 || r.nested {
+func (b *nameBinding) checkUses(uses []nameUse) error {
+	r := uses[0]
+	if len(uses) > 1 || r.nested {
 		return nil
 	}
 	spelling := b.ref
diff --git a/node.go b/node.go
index edf134e..26b1a69 100644
--- a/node.go
+++ b/node.go
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ func (*nullItem) isNode() {}
 // template renders a format string, substituting {tokens} from fields. A bare
 // JSON string is a template with no fields. repeat (default 1) renders that format
 // that many times and joins the results with separator (default ""), each render
-// an independent pick. Every format compiles in `linkTemplate`.
+// an independent pick. Every format compiles in `linkTemplates`.
 type template struct {
 	// Filled by `compileString`, `compileTemplate` and `table.compileRowFormat`:
 	format     string
@@ -61,19 +61,21 @@ type template struct {
 	unbound    []unboundRead // the heads its tokens read that no field holds
 
 	// Filled by `bindNames`, from the compiled category:
-	nameScope    *nameScope // where its tokens look a name up
-	ownNameScope *nameScope // the scope it renders a frame of: a category's, on its root, or a repeat's, per iteration
+	nameScope *nameScope // where its tokens look a name up
 
-	// Filled by `linkTemplate`, from the assembled tree:
-	link     templateLink
-	compiled formatOps
+	// Filled by `linkTemplates`, from the assembled tree:
+	link        templateLink
+	compiled    formatOps
+	readsColumn *columnRead // set when the format is one reference or name read alone reading a record's column
+
+	// Filled by `settleRecords`, once the load refused every cycle:
+	columns []recordColumn // a record's, where it has fields, in name order
 }
 
 // templateLink is what a template resolves to in the assembled tree.
 type templateLink struct {
-	refs        map[string]refBinding // each reference the format reads -> what it resolves to
-	refHeads    map[string]node       // each refBinding.head -> the category it names
-	readsColumn *columnRead           // set when the format is one reference or name read alone reading a record's column
+	refs     map[string]refBinding // each reference the format reads -> what it resolves to
+	refHeads map[string]node       // each refBinding.head -> the category it names
 }
 
 func (*template) isNode() {}
diff --git a/pick.go b/pick.go
index f86be6d..a5e997a 100644
--- a/pick.go
+++ b/pick.go
@@ -124,10 +124,11 @@ func (m *drawMemo) enteredFrame(scope *nameScope) *pickFrame {
 // renderFrame opens a fresh frame of t's scope, where t binds names and no read entering the
 // category opened one, returning the mark that closes it, or -1.
 func (sc renderScope) renderFrame(t *template) int {
-	if t.ownNameScope == nil || sc.frameOf(t.ownNameScope) != nil {
+	own := t.ownScope()
+	if own == nil || sc.frameOf(own) != nil {
 		return -1
 	}
-	return sc.frames.push(newPickFrame(t.ownNameScope))
+	return sc.frames.push(newPickFrame(own))
 }
 
 // frameOf is the frame of scope rendering since the read entering the category, nil where none is.
diff --git a/record.go b/record.go
index 97fab4a..831727c 100644
--- a/record.go
+++ b/record.go
@@ -142,15 +142,15 @@ func (f *Generator) FakeRecord(path string) (*Record, error) {
 	} else if len(tail) > 0 {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("fejkdata: %s descends into %q, a field; only a category-level template is a record", path, tail[0])
 	}
-	shape := f.recordShapeOf(n)
-	if errors.Is(shape.err, ErrNoColumns) {
+	record, err := recordOf(n)
+	if errors.Is(err, ErrNoColumns) {
 		ns := grammar.NameSegments(segments)
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf(`fejkdata: %s %w; render it as a column of one: {"format":"","%s":"{/%s}"}`, path, shape.err, ns[len(ns)-1], path)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf(`fejkdata: %s %w; render it as a column of one: {"format":"","%s":"{/%s}"}`, path, err, ns[len(ns)-1], path)
 	}
-	if shape.err != nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("fejkdata: %s %w", path, shape.err)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("fejkdata: %s %w", path, err)
 	}
-	return renderRecord(f.drawState, shape.template, shape.columns, sc), nil
+	return renderRecord(f.drawState, record, sc), nil
 }
 
 // tableRecord walks a path's tail from a table to the table whose row is the record, and that
@@ -171,35 +171,11 @@ func tableRecord(s *drawstate.State, t *table, tail []string) (node, renderedRow
 	return n, renderedRow{}, nil
 }
 
-// recordShape is what recordOf settled about a node: the template to project, its
-// columns, or why it is not a record.
-type recordShape struct {
-	template *template
-	columns  []Column
-	err      error
-}
-
-// recordShapeOf fences a node once and remembers the answer. Callers hold the
-// generator's lock.
-func (f *Generator) recordShapeOf(n node) recordShape {
-	if shape, done := f.records[n]; done {
-		return shape
-	}
-	t, columns, err := recordOf(n)
-	shape := recordShape{template: t, columns: columns, err: err}
-	if f.records == nil {
-		f.records = map[node]recordShape{}
-	}
-	f.records[n] = shape
-	return shape
-}
-
 // RecordTemplate is an inline record compiled, referenced and validated once,
 // ready to render many times with [RecordTemplate.Fake].
 type RecordTemplate struct {
 	g        *Generator
 	template *template
-	columns  []Column
 }
 
 // Fake renders the record, one pick of each name across its columns.
@@ -207,7 +183,7 @@ func (t *RecordTemplate) Fake() *Record {
 	t.g.mu.Lock()
 	defer t.g.mu.Unlock()
 	var frames frameStack
-	return renderRecord(t.g.drawState, t.template, t.columns, renderScope{frames: &frames})
+	return renderRecord(t.g.drawState, t.template, renderScope{frames: &frames})
 }
 
 // NewRecordTemplate compiles an inline record — a JSON object with a format and
@@ -217,11 +193,11 @@ func (f *Generator) NewRecordTemplate(input string) (*RecordTemplate, error) {
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
-	tm, columns, err := recordOf(t.n)
+	record, err := recordOf(t.n)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("fejkdata: an inline record %w", err)
 	}
-	return &RecordTemplate{g: f, template: tm, columns: columns}, nil
+	return &RecordTemplate{g: f, template: record}, nil
 }
 
 // FakeRecordTemplate compiles and renders an inline record in one call.
@@ -237,63 +213,87 @@ func (f *Generator) FakeRecordTemplate(input string) (*Record, error) {
 // the record to write instead.
 var ErrNoColumns = errors.New("has no fields, so no columns")
 
-// recordOf is the fence both record entry points pass. The columns come back with
-// the template, fixed for every draw the caller goes on to make.
-func recordOf(n node) (*template, []Column, error) {
+// recordOf is the fence both record entry points pass: the record template n is, whose columns
+// its link fixed for every draw.
+func recordOf(n node) (*template, error) {
 	if tb, isTable := n.(*table); isTable {
 		n = tb.formatTemplate
 	}
 	t, ok := n.(*template)
 	if !ok {
-		return nil, nil, errors.New("names a choice, not a template; a record is a template whose fields are its columns")
+		return nil, errors.New("names a choice, not a template; a record is a template whose fields are its columns")
 	}
-	names := sortedNames(t.fields)
-	if len(names) == 0 {
-		return nil, nil, ErrNoColumns
+	if len(t.fields) == 0 {
+		return nil, ErrNoColumns
 	}
 	if !t.isRecord {
-		return nil, nil, fmt.Errorf("carries repeat %d, which composes its format into one string; a record projects columns instead — drop the repeat and render the record again for more rows", t.repeat)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("carries repeat %d, which composes its format into one string; a record projects columns instead — drop the repeat and render the record again for more rows", t.repeat)
 	}
-	columns := make([]Column, len(names))
-	for i, name := range names {
-		columns[i] = Column{Name: name, DataType: columnDatatype(t.fields[name])}
-	}
-	return t, columns, nil
+	return t, nil
 }
 
-// renderRecord draws each column once, in the name order recordOf fixed, as one render, so the
-// columns read one pick of each name; a table's columns read sc's row.
-func renderRecord(s *drawstate.State, t *template, columns []Column, sc renderScope) *Record {
+// recordColumn is one column of a record template: what it writes, the field drawing it, and the
+// name the template binds to that whole field, whose pick the column renders so the row agrees
+// with the columns reading the name.
+type recordColumn struct {
+	Column
+	field node
+	whole *nameBinding
+}
+
+// settleRecords fixes the columns of every record in scope, whose datatypes a cycle would walk
+// forever, so bind refuses the scope's cycles first.
+func settleRecords(scope nodeScope) {
+	_ = scope(func(_ string, n node) error {
+		if t, isTemplate := n.(*template); isTemplate {
+			t.columns = recordColumns(t)
+		}
+		return nil
+	})
+}
+
+// recordColumns is t's columns in name order where t is a record with fields, else nil.
+func recordColumns(t *template) []recordColumn {
+	if !t.isRecord || len(t.fields) == 0 {
+		return nil
+	}
+	whole := map[node]*nameBinding{}
+	for _, tok := range t.tokens {
+		if tok.Kind != grammar.NameBind {
+			continue
+		}
+		if b := t.nameScope.bindings[tok.Bound]; b.bindsField() && len(b.tail) == 0 && whole[b.head] == nil {
+			whole[b.head] = b
+		}
+	}
+	names := sortedNames(t.fields)
+	columns := make([]recordColumn, len(names))
+	for i, name := range names {
+		field := t.fields[name]
+		columns[i] = recordColumn{Column: Column{Name: name, DataType: columnDatatype(field)}, field: field, whole: whole[field]}
+	}
+	return columns
+}
+
+// renderRecord draws each column of t once, in name order, as one render, so the columns read one
+// pick of each name; a table's columns read sc's row.
+func renderRecord(s *drawstate.State, t *template, sc renderScope) *Record {
 	if mark := sc.renderFrame(t); mark >= 0 {
 		defer sc.frames.pop(mark)
 	}
-	r := &Record{columns: append([]Column(nil), columns...)}
-	for i := range r.columns {
-		field := t.fields[r.columns[i].Name]
+	r := &Record{columns: make([]Column, len(t.columns))}
+	for i, c := range t.columns {
 		var column readValue
-		if b := bindingOfWhole(t, field); b != nil {
-			column = readName(s, sc, arm{kind: namedRead, named: b, levels: wholeLevels})
+		if c.whole != nil {
+			column = readName(s, sc, arm{kind: namedRead, named: c.whole, levels: wholeLevels})
 		} else {
-			column = renderLeaf(s, field, sc)
+			column = renderLeaf(s, c.field, sc)
 		}
+		r.columns[i] = c.Column
 		r.columns[i].Value, r.columns[i].Null = column.text, column.null
 	}
 	return r
 }
 
-// wholeLevels is the levels of a read of a whole name, as linkName compiles {n}.
+// wholeLevels is the levels of a read of a whole name, as compileArm compiles {n}.
 var wholeLevels = []string{""}
-
-// bindingOfWhole is the name t binds to the whole of field, whose pick the field's column renders
-// so the row agrees with the columns reading the name; nil where none does.
-func bindingOfWhole(t *template, field node) *nameBinding {
-	if t.ownNameScope == nil {
-		return nil
-	}
-	for _, b := range t.ownNameScope.order {
-		if b.bindsField() && b.binder == t && len(b.tail) == 0 && b.head == field {
-			return b
-		}
-	}
-	return nil
-}
diff --git a/reference.go b/reference.go
index bba3c92..0c440ce 100644
--- a/reference.go
+++ b/reference.go
@@ -2,10 +2,10 @@ package fejkdata
 
 import (
 	"fmt"
+	"slices"
 	"strings"
 
 	"github.com/larvit/fejkdata/internal/grammar"
-	"github.com/larvit/fejkdata/internal/invariant"
 )
 
 // refBinding is what a reference resolves to: the head its category is held
@@ -35,59 +35,106 @@ func refSegments(name string, folder []string) ([]string, error) {
 	return append(append([]string{}, base...), segs...), nil
 }
 
-// linkRefs binds every reference and compiles every format, once all data is merged,
-// so a reference sees the override-resolved tree. A reference's head binds into
-// refHeads under its root path and its tail reads like a sibling path.
+// linkRefs links every template of the categories, once all data is merged, so a reference sees
+// the override-resolved tree.
 func linkRefs(sites []categorySite, root map[string]node) error {
+	var ts []linkSite
 	if err := eachTemplate(sites, func(s categorySite, label string, t *template) error {
-		return linkTemplate(s.dir, label, s.path, t, root)
+		ts = append(ts, linkSite{t: t, folder: s.dir, category: s.path, label: label})
+		return nil
 	}); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
-	for _, pass := range linkPasses {
-		if err := eachTemplate(sites, func(_ categorySite, label string, t *template) error { return pass(label, t) }); err != nil {
+	return linkTemplates(ts, root)
+}
+
+// linkSite is a template to link, with the folder and category it sits in, "" for an inline
+// template, and eachNode's label for it.
+type linkSite struct {
+	t               *template
+	folder          []string
+	category, label string
+}
+
+// nameTarget is what a binding resolves to in the assembled tree: the node its head names and the
+// path it reads into that node.
+type nameTarget struct {
+	head node
+	tail []string
+}
+
+// linkTemplates links ts in steps, each over every template before the next starts, each
+// returning what it builds: the references, the names' targets, the compiled formats, the keys
+// each name's reads address, and the column each format reads.
+func linkTemplates(ts []linkSite, root map[string]node) error {
+	for _, s := range ts {
+		link, err := s.t.resolveLink(s.folder, s.label, s.category, root)
+		if err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
+		s.t.link = link
+	}
+	targets := nameTargets(ts)
+	for _, s := range ts {
+		compiled, err := compileFormat(s.t, targets)
+		if err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("%s: %w", s.label, err)
+		}
+		s.t.compiled = compiled
+	}
+	addressed := addressedKeys(ts)
+	for b, target := range targets {
+		b.head, b.tail, b.addressed = target.head, target.tail, addressed[b]
+	}
+	for _, s := range ts {
+		s.t.readsColumn = columnReadOf(s.t)
+	}
+	for _, check := range []func(label string, t *template) error{checkNameReads, checkCalcNames} {
+		for _, s := range ts {
+			if err := check(s.label, s.t); err != nil {
+				return err
+			}
+		}
 	}
 	return nil
 }
 
-// linkTemplate resolves t's references in category, "" for an inline template, and
-// compiles its format against them.
-func linkTemplate(folder []string, label, category string, t *template, root map[string]node) error {
-	link, err := t.resolveLink(folder, label, category, root)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	t.link, t.compiled = link, compileFormat(t.tokens, link.refs, t.isName)
-	linkBindings(t)
-	compileArms(t)
-	return nil
-}
-
-func compileArms(t *template) {
-	for i := range t.compiled.ops {
-		o := &t.compiled.ops[i]
-		for j := range o.operands {
-			if o.operands[j].kind != namedRead {
-				compileArm(t, &o.operands[j])
-			}
-		}
-		for j := range o.arms {
-			if o.arms[j].kind != namedRead {
-				compileArm(t, &o.arms[j])
+// nameTargets resolves what each binding of ts binds, from its binder's link.
+func nameTargets(ts []linkSite) map[*nameBinding]nameTarget {
+	targets := map[*nameBinding]nameTarget{}
+	for _, s := range ts {
+		for _, tok := range s.t.tokens {
+			if tok.Kind == grammar.NameBind {
+				a := splitArm(tok.BoundRef, s.t.link.refs)
+				targets[s.t.nameScope.bindings[tok.Bound]] = nameTarget{head: s.t.head(a.head), tail: a.tail}
 			}
 		}
 	}
+	return targets
 }
 
-func compileArm(t *template, a *arm) {
-	head := t.head(a.head)
-	if head == nil {
-		panic(invariant.Broken("{%s} reads a head nothing bound", a.spelling))
+// addressedKeys is every key the reads of each name in ts land on or pass, from the name, with the
+// spelling of the first read reaching it.
+func addressedKeys(ts []linkSite) map[*nameBinding]map[string]string {
+	keys := map[*nameBinding]map[string]string{}
+	for _, s := range ts {
+		for _, o := range s.t.compiled.ops {
+			for _, a := range slices.Concat(o.arms, o.operands) {
+				if a.kind != namedRead {
+					continue
+				}
+				if keys[a.named] == nil {
+					keys[a.named] = map[string]string{}
+				}
+				for _, key := range append(a.levels[len(a.levels)-len(a.tail)-1:], a.path) {
+					if _, seen := keys[a.named][key]; !seen {
+						keys[a.named][key] = a.spelling
+					}
+				}
+			}
+		}
 	}
-	w := compilePath(head, a.tail)
-	a.steps, a.leaves = w.steps, w.leaves
+	return keys
 }
 
 // resolveLink binds every reference t reads, refusing one to t's own category:
@@ -132,9 +179,9 @@ type columnRead struct {
 	column          node
 }
 
-// linkColumnRead sets the record's column t's format reads, where the format only reads one
-// reference or name, once the names are linked.
-func linkColumnRead(_ string, t *template) error {
+// columnReadOf is the record's column t's format reads, where the format only reads one reference
+// or name, and nil where it does not.
+func columnReadOf(t *template) *columnRead {
 	ops := t.compiled.ops
 	if t.repeat != 1 || len(ops) != 1 || ops[0].Kind != grammar.NameRead || len(ops[0].arms) != 1 {
 		return nil
@@ -152,9 +199,8 @@ func linkColumnRead(_ string, t *template) error {
 	case !grammar.IsRef(a.head):
 		return nil
 	}
-	target, isTemplate := head.(*template)
-	if isTemplate && target.isRecord && len(tail) == 1 {
-		t.link.readsColumn = &columnRead{a: a, category: category, field: tail[0], column: target.fields[tail[0]]}
+	if target, isTemplate := head.(*template); isTemplate && target.isRecord && len(tail) == 1 {
+		return &columnRead{a: a, category: category, field: tail[0], column: target.fields[tail[0]]}
 	}
 	return nil
 }
diff --git a/render.go b/render.go
index 76328b8..0d2f35d 100644
--- a/render.go
+++ b/render.go
@@ -93,15 +93,16 @@ func render(s *drawstate.State, n node, sc renderScope) string {
 func renderRepeat(s *drawstate.State, t *template, sc renderScope) string {
 	var b strings.Builder
 	b.Grow(t.repeat * (t.compiled.grow + len(t.separator)))
+	own := t.ownScope()
 	for i := 0; i < t.repeat; i++ {
 		if i > 0 {
 			b.WriteString(t.separator)
 		}
-		if t.ownNameScope == nil {
+		if own == nil {
 			b.WriteString(expand(s, t, sc))
 			continue
 		}
-		mark := sc.frames.push(newPickFrame(t.ownNameScope))
+		mark := sc.frames.push(newPickFrame(own))
 		b.WriteString(expand(s, t, sc))
 		sc.frames.pop(mark)
 	}
@@ -172,8 +173,8 @@ func renderLeaf(s *drawstate.State, n node, sc renderScope) readValue {
 	case *nullItem:
 		return readValue{null: true}
 	case *template:
-		if leaf.link.readsColumn != nil {
-			return readField(s, leaf, sc, leaf.link.readsColumn.a)
+		if leaf.readsColumn != nil {
+			return readField(s, leaf, sc, leaf.readsColumn.a)
 		}
 	}
 	return readValue{text: render(s, n, sc)}
diff --git a/shape_test.go b/shape_test.go
index d478c16..65b27e2 100644
--- a/shape_test.go
+++ b/shape_test.go
@@ -45,8 +45,8 @@ func shippedShape(f *Generator) string {
 			}
 		case *template:
 			facts[prefix] = "\tformat " + strconv.Quote(n.format) + readsFact(n)
-			if _, columns, err := recordOf(n); err == nil {
-				for _, c := range columns {
+			if record, err := recordOf(n); err == nil {
+				for _, c := range record.columns {
 					fact := "\t" + c.DataType.String()
 					if _, nullable := columnItems(n.fields[c.Name]); nullable {
 						fact += " null"
diff --git a/struct.go b/struct.go
index 7b1d199..98bea52 100644
--- a/struct.go
+++ b/struct.go
@@ -70,7 +70,6 @@ func (f *Generator) structShapeOf(t reflect.Type) (*structShape, error) {
 // index path each column fills, and the struct fields carrying tags of their own.
 type structShape struct {
 	record       *template
-	columns      []Column
 	fieldIndexes [][]int
 	nested       []nestedStruct
 }
@@ -266,20 +265,20 @@ func (s *structShape) compileRecord(root *folder, t reflect.Type, label string,
 	if err := bindInline(root, n, label, true); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
-	record, columns, err := recordOf(n)
+	record, err := recordOf(n)
 	if err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("%s: %w", label, err)
 	}
 	proof := &valueProof{}
-	s.fieldIndexes = make([][]int, len(columns))
-	for i, c := range columns {
+	s.fieldIndexes = make([][]int, len(record.columns))
+	for i, c := range record.columns {
 		sf, _ := t.FieldByName(c.Name)
 		if err := proof.checkField(label+"."+c.Name, sf.Type, record.fields[c.Name]); err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
 		s.fieldIndexes[i] = sf.Index
 	}
-	s.record, s.columns = record, columns
+	s.record = record
 	return nil
 }
 
@@ -324,7 +323,7 @@ func (k columnKind) holds(v proven.Facts) bool {
 func (s *structShape) fill(state *drawstate.State, v reflect.Value) {
 	if s.record != nil {
 		var frames frameStack
-		for i, c := range renderRecord(state, s.record, s.columns, renderScope{frames: &frames}).columns {
+		for i, c := range renderRecord(state, s.record, renderScope{frames: &frames}).columns {
 			setColumn(fieldAt(v, s.fieldIndexes[i]), c)
 		}
 	}
diff --git a/todo.md b/todo.md
index 039bc7d..279d372 100644
--- a/todo.md
+++ b/todo.md
@@ -247,7 +247,7 @@ Until a panel scores 7.0 or above, only items 104 to 106 and the exceptions in `
 
 ### 91. Accept a path through a name as a `calc` operand, so `{/misc.coordinate as c}{c}: {calc(c.lat * 60)}` computes from the coordinate `{c}` prints.
 
-A calc operand parses as a bare identifier, so `{calc(c.lat * 60)}` fails with `unexpected ".lat * 60"`, and a second binding of `/misc.coordinate.lat` would draw another coordinate. Resolve the path through `linkName`'s leaves, as `operandNodes` does for a bare name.
+A calc operand parses as a bare identifier, so `{calc(c.lat * 60)}` fails with `unexpected ".lat * 60"`, and a second binding of `/misc.coordinate.lat` would draw another coordinate. Resolve the path through `compileArm`'s leaves, as `operandNodes` does for a bare name.
 
 ### 89. Fail `New` without `WithSeed`, naming the option, and seed the CLI from the system.
 
diff --git a/valueproof.go b/valueproof.go
index 020e296..209a1d9 100644
--- a/valueproof.go
+++ b/valueproof.go
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ func (p *valueProof) checkDatatype(label string, n node) error {
 	if !ok || t.datatype == DataTypeString {
 		return nil
 	}
-	if r := t.link.readsColumn; r != nil && columnDatatype(r.column) == t.datatype {
+	if r := t.readsColumn; r != nil && columnDatatype(r.column) == t.datatype {
 		return fmt.Errorf(`%s: %s takes datatype %s from the column it reads; drop "datatype"`, label, t.format, t.datatype)
 	}
 	if reason := p.proveColumnItem(t).Not[t.datatype]; reason != "" {
@@ -66,10 +66,10 @@ func (p *valueProof) checkField(label string, ft reflect.Type, column node) erro
 
 // proveColumnItem proves a column item: what it renders, or, when it is a column it reads, that column.
 func (p *valueProof) proveColumnItem(t *template) proven.Facts {
-	if t.link.readsColumn == nil {
+	if t.readsColumn == nil {
 		return p.prove(t)
 	}
-	return p.proveColumn(t.link.readsColumn.column)
+	return p.proveColumn(t.readsColumn.column)
 }
 
 // proveColumn proves a column over what its items draw, a null item marking it null rather than