MySQL Create View

Last Updated: 20 June, 2023

In MySQL, a view is a virtual table that is derived from the result of a query. It is not a physical table that stores data itself, but rather a saved query that can be used like a table in subsequent queries.

A view can be considered as a saved query or a predefined query that we can use to simplify complex queries, encapsulate business logic, or provide a simplified view of data to users without exposing the underlying table structure. It allows us to define a specific subset of columns and rows from one or more tables and present it as a new table-like structure.

Some key points about views in MySQL:

1. Views do not store any data themselves. They are defined by queries and the result is computed dynamically when the view is accessed.
2. Views can be used to simplify complex queries by encapsulating joins, aggregations, and filtering logic into a single view definition.
3. Views can provide an additional level of security by allowing users to access data through views without directly accessing the underlying tables. We can control the data that users can see by defining appropriate filters in the view.
4. Views can be used to present data in a more meaningful or simplified manner, hiding the underlying table structure or providing calculated columns.
5. Views can be queried like regular tables using SELECT statements. They can also be used in other operations such as JOIN, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE statements, depending on the view's definition and underlying tables' structure.

To create a view in MySQL, we can use the CREATE VIEW statement.

Here's the basic syntax:

 CREATE VIEW view_name AS
 SELECT column1, column2, ...
 FROM table_name
 WHERE condition;

Here's an example to create a view named "customer_view" that includes the columns "customer_id" and "customer_name" from the "customers" table:

 CREATE VIEW customer_view AS
 SELECT customer_id, customer_name
 FROM customers;

We can then query the view like we would query a regular table:

 SELECT * FROM customer_view;

It's important to note that while views provide a convenient way to work with data, they come with some performance considerations. Complex or resource-intensive queries used to define views may impact query execution time when accessing the view. Therefore, it's essential to carefully design and optimize views to ensure efficient performance.