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What is a View in MySQL?
    Understanding Views in MySQL: Definition, Behavior & Use Cases

    A View in MySQL is a virtual table created from the result of a SELECT query. It does not store data physically (except in some cases of materialized-like optimization) but provides a stored query that behaves like a real table when accessed.

    Key Characteristics of a View
    • A view is based on a SELECT statement stored in the database.
    • It does not hold physical data; it retrieves data from underlying tables.
    • The structure and output of a view change automatically when base table data changes.
    • Views can simplify complex queries by encapsulating logic.
    Types of Views in MySQL
    • Simple View – Created from a single table and usually updatable.
    • Complex View – Based on joins, aggregations, or subqueries; usually not updatable.
    • Updatable View – Allows INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE if conditions are met.
    • Read-Only View – Uses `WITH CHECK OPTION` or is inherently non-updatable.
    Benefits of Using Views
    • Simplifies complex SQL queries for consistent and reusable logic.
    • Provides an abstraction layer for security (exposing only necessary columns).
    • Allows reusability of business logic across multiple applications.
    • Reduces application-side query complexity.
    Common Use Cases
    • Masking sensitive data by exposing only selected columns.
    • Creating simplified dashboards or reporting datasets.
    • Encapsulating frequently used joins or filters.
    • Maintaining backward compatibility when schema changes.
    Example: Creating a Simple View
    Querying a View

    In summary, a View is a powerful abstraction tool in MySQL, enabling cleaner queries, improved security, and reusable logic without duplicating data in storage.