MySQL Table vs View

MySQL tables and views are both database objects that store data, but they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics. Let’s compare MySQL tables and views:

MySQL Table:

1. Purpose:

• Tables are the fundamental storage structures in a relational database.
• They store actual data in rows and columns.

1. Data Storage:

• Tables store real data permanently.
• You can insert, update, delete, and query data in tables.

1. Data Modification:

• You can perform all data modification operations like INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE directly on tables.
• Tables support indexes and constraints for data integrity and optimization.

1. Schema:

• Tables have a fixed schema that defines the columns and data types.
• Schema changes might require data migration or restructuring.

1. Usage:

• Mainly used for storing and managing data.
• Typically the target of CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations.

MySQL View:

1. Purpose:

• Views are virtual tables created by defining a query on one or more base tables.
• They provide a simplified or abstracted representation of data.

1. Data Storage:

• Views do not store data themselves; they store the query that retrieves data from underlying tables.
• They display data based on the query when queried.

1. Data Modification:

• Depending on the view’s definition, you can perform data modification operations on views, but they might be more complex.
• Some views are read-only, while others allow limited data modification.

1. Schema:

• Views have a schema based on the query used to create them.
• They can combine columns from different tables and present them as a single structure.

1. Usage:

• Used to abstract complex queries, provide a simplified interface, and restrict access to sensitive data.
• Often used to implement security by allowing users to access specific data without granting direct access to the underlying tables.

Which to Choose:

• Use tables for storing and managing actual data that you need to modify frequently.
• Use views to simplify complex queries, enforce security, and present a tailored interface to users.
• Views can enhance performance by precomputing aggregations or filtering.

In summary, tables are for storing data, while views are for querying data in a simplified or secured manner. The choice between using a table or a view depends on your application’s requirements, data organization, and performance considerations.