Data Virtualization Tools
Data virtualization tools are software platforms that provide a unified, abstracted view of data from multiple disparate sources (such as databases, cloud storage, APIs, and files) without physically moving or replicating the data. They enable real-time data access and integration by creating virtual data layers that query and combine data on-demand, reducing data silos and latency. These tools are commonly used for business intelligence, analytics, and data governance to simplify data management and improve agility.
Developers should learn and use data virtualization tools when building applications that require real-time access to data from heterogeneous sources, such as in enterprise data integration, cloud migration, or hybrid data environments. They are particularly valuable for scenarios where data replication is impractical due to cost, security, or compliance constraints, enabling faster development of analytics dashboards, reporting systems, and data-driven applications without extensive ETL processes.