Views
Views are a database concept that represent virtual tables derived from the result of a stored query, allowing users to access and manipulate data as if it were a regular table without storing the data physically. They simplify complex queries, enhance security by restricting access to specific columns or rows, and provide an abstraction layer over underlying tables. Views are widely used in relational database management systems (RDBMS) like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQL Server.
Developers should use views to encapsulate complex joins, aggregations, or calculations into reusable queries, improving code maintainability and reducing redundancy in applications. They are essential for implementing row-level or column-level security by exposing only necessary data to users or applications, and for creating simplified interfaces for reporting or analytics without modifying the underlying schema. Views are particularly useful in multi-tenant systems, data warehousing, and scenarios requiring consistent data access patterns.