Views

A view is a virtual table based on the result of a stored SQL query - it doesn't store data itself, but presents the result of its underlying query as if it were a regular table, and can be queried the same way.

Creating a View

CREATE VIEW high_value_customers AS
SELECT customer_id, first_name, total_spent
FROM customers
WHERE total_spent > 50000;

Querying a View

SELECT * FROM high_value_customers
ORDER BY total_spent DESC;

Why Use Views

• Simplify complex, frequently-used queries into a single reusable object
• Restrict access to sensitive columns by exposing only a limited view of a table
• Present a consistent, simplified structure to reporting tools and analysts

Views vs Temporary Tables

Unlike a temporary table, a view doesn't store its own copy of data - every time it's queried, its underlying SQL runs fresh against the live tables, so results always reflect the current data.