[Home](./index.md) > [@firebase/database](./database.md) > [ref](./database.ref.md) ## ref() function Returns a `Reference` representing the location in the Database corresponding to the provided path. If no path is provided, the `Reference` will point to the root of the Database. Signature: ```typescript export declare function ref(db: FirebaseDatabase, path?: string): Reference; ``` ## Parameters | Parameter | Type | Description | | --- | --- | --- | | db | [FirebaseDatabase](./database.firebasedatabase.md) | The database instance to obtain a reference for. | | path | string | Optional path representing the location the returned Reference will point. If not provided, the returned Reference will point to the root of the Database. | Returns: [Reference](./database.reference.md) If a path is provided, a `Reference` pointing to the provided path. Otherwise, a `Reference` pointing to the root of the Database.