by Paul Jensen and Ray Rankins
IN THIS CHAPTER
Definition of Views
Using Views to Simplify Retrieval of Data
Using Views to Hide Underlying Table Structures
Using Views as a Security Mechanism
Data Modifications and Views
Creating Views
Altering and Dropping Views
Partitioned Views
Indexed Views
Views and Query Performance
Recently, while teaching a database class, one of the students described a view as a window on the data; it could be a picture window, clearly exposing a wide expanse of data, or a mere slit, offering only a peek. This chapter will pull back the curtains on this "window," exposing what a view is and isn't, and how you can leverage this powerful tool in your database design and applications.