In MySQL, tables and views are two types of database objects that serve different purposes.
A table is a basic building block of a database and represents a collection of data stored in rows and columns. Tables contain data that can be inserted, updated, deleted, and queried using SQL statements. Tables can be created, modified, and dropped using SQL commands.
A view, on the other hand, is a virtual table that is based on the result set of a SELECT statement. A view does not store data in itself but provides a way to query data from one or more tables in a simplified and convenient way. Views can be used to restrict access to sensitive data by only showing specific columns or rows, or to aggregate data in a specific way.
Here are some key differences between tables and views in MySQL:
Storage: A table stores data in a physical file on disk, whereas a view does not store any data by itself. It is simply a virtual table that is defined by a SELECT statement.
Modifiability: Data in a table can be inserted, updated, deleted, or modified directly. However, views are read-only by default, meaning that you cannot modify the data in a view directly. If you want to modify the underlying data, you need to modify the base table(s).
Querying: Tables can be queried directly using SQL statements, whereas views are queried indirectly through their defining SELECT statement.
Complexity: Views can be used to simplify complex queries involving multiple tables and joins. This can make queries easier to read and understand, and can also improve performance by reducing the amount of data that needs to be processed.
Size: A table can store a large amount of data, whereas a view is limited by the size of the underlying tables.
Performance: Accessing a table directly is generally faster than accessing a view, because a view requires additional processing to retrieve the underlying data.
In summary, tables are used to store and manage data, while views are used to simplify queries and restrict access to sensitive data. Both tables and views have their own advantages and use cases, and choosing the appropriate one depends on the specific requirements of your application.
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