SQL Views
SQL Views are virtual tables created by a query that selects data from one or more underlying tables in a database. They do not store data themselves but provide a dynamic, read-only or updatable representation of the data based on the defining query. Views are used to simplify complex queries, enhance security by restricting access to specific columns or rows, and abstract the underlying database schema for easier data management.
Developers should use SQL Views when they need to encapsulate complex joins, aggregations, or calculations into a reusable and simplified interface, reducing code duplication and improving maintainability. They are particularly useful in scenarios requiring data security, such as hiding sensitive information from users, or in applications where a consistent data presentation layer is needed across multiple queries, like in reporting systems or multi-tenant databases.