Table vs. View: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 21, 2024
A Table is a database structure storing data in rows and columns; a View is a virtual table created by a query on one or more tables, presenting data without storing it physically.
Key Differences
In database management, a Table is a fundamental and physical structure with rows and columns to store data. A View, on the other hand, is a virtual table created through a query and does not store data physically but displays it as a table.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 21, 2024
Tables are the basic storage unit in a database, holding actual data in a structured format. Views are like a lens over one or more tables, representing data from these tables in a specific way without duplicating it.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 21, 2024
Creating a Table involves defining its schema, i.e., the structure of rows and columns, including data types. Creating a View involves writing a SQL query that pulls and presents data from tables, but the view itself does not hold this data physically.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 21, 2024
Modifications to a Table, such as inserting, updating, or deleting records, affect the database's actual data. Modifications through a View, depending on its design, may or may not be possible, and when they are, they indirectly modify the underlying table data.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 21, 2024
Tables are more about data storage and are integral to the design and functionality of a database. Views are used for data presentation and can simplify complex queries, provide security by limiting data access, and offer a customized view of the data.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 21, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Physical Storage
Stores data physically in rows and columns.
Does not store data physically; shows results of a query.
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Feb 21, 2024
Schema
Has a fixed schema defined during creation.
Schema depends on the query defining the view.
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Feb 21, 2024
Modification
Direct modifications (insert, update, delete) affect stored data.
Modifications may not be directly possible; depends on view's query.
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Feb 21, 2024
Purpose
Primary data storage mechanism in databases.
Provides a specific, virtual representation of data.
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Data Duplication
Stores actual data, can lead to data redundancy.
Does not duplicate data, shows existing data in a different format.
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Feb 21, 2024
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Table and View Definitions
Table
In databases, a structured format for organizing data.
We added a new table for transaction records.
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Jan 18, 2024
View
In databases, a query-based representation of data, not physically stored.
We created a view to simplify complex joins for end-users.
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Jan 18, 2024
View
A database object that presents data in a specific format, defined by a SQL query.
The manager's view provides a summary of monthly sales.
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Jan 18, 2024
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View
A customizable presentation of table data in a database, formed through SQL queries.
A view was used to restrict access to sensitive data.
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Jan 18, 2024
View
An examination using the eyes; a look
Used binoculars to get a better view.
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Jan 17, 2024
Table
Any collection and arrangement in a condensed form of many particulars or values, for ready reference, as of weights, measures, currency, specific gravities, etc.; also, a series of numbers following some law, and expressing particular values corresponding to certain other numbers on which they depend, and by means of which they are taken out for use in computations; as, tables of logarithms, sines, tangents, squares, cubes, etc.; annuity tables; interest tables; astronomical tables, etc.
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Jan 17, 2024
View
A scene that can be looked at from a particular position; a vista
The view from the tower.
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Jan 17, 2024
Table
A set of data elements arranged in rows and columns in a database.
The customer table holds all the client information.
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Jan 18, 2024
View
A way of showing or seeing something, as from a particular position or angle
A side view of the house.
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Jan 17, 2024
Table
A collection of related data held in a structured format within a database.
The employee table was updated with new entries.
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Jan 18, 2024
View
An individual and personal perception, judgment, or interpretation; an opinion
In his view, aid to the rebels should be suspended.
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Jan 17, 2024
Table
A database element where data is stored in rows, each representing a record, and columns, representing attributes.
The product table lists all items available for sale.
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Jan 18, 2024
View
An aim or intention
The law was written with a view toward safeguarding privacy.
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Jan 17, 2024
Table
A fundamental storage block in databases, holding data in a grid format.
Queries were run against the sales table for the annual report.
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Jan 18, 2024
View
Consideration or concern
“The pitch of the roof had been calculated with a view to the heavy seasonal rains” (Caroline Alexander).
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Jan 17, 2024
View
To look at, examine, or inspect
Viewed the stars through the telescope.
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Jan 17, 2024
View
To survey or study mentally; consider
When you view all their suggestions, you have to feel encouraged.
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Jan 17, 2024
View
To think of (something) in a particular way; regard
Doesn't view herself as a success.
Viewed their efforts unfavorably.
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Jan 17, 2024
View
The act of seeing or looking at something.
He changed seats to get a complete view of the stage.
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Jan 17, 2024
View
The range of vision.
If there are any rabbits in this park, they keep carefully out of our view.
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Jan 17, 2024
View
Something to look at, such as scenery.
My flat has a view of a junkyard.
The view from a window
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Jan 17, 2024
View
(Internet) An individual viewing of a web page or a video etc. by a user.
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Jan 17, 2024
View
A mental image.
I need more information to get a better view of the situation.
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Jan 17, 2024
View
A way of understanding something, an opinion, a theory.
Your view on evolution is based on religious doctrines, not on scientific findings.
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Jan 17, 2024
View
An intention or prospect.
He smuggled a knife into prison with a view to using it as a weapon.
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Jan 17, 2024
View
A virtual or logical table composed of the result set of a query in relational databases.
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Jan 17, 2024
View
The part of a computer program which is visible to the user and can be interacted with
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Jan 17, 2024
View
(transitive) To regard in a stated way.
I view it as a serious breach of trust.
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Jan 17, 2024
View
The act of seeing or beholding; sight; look; survey; examination by the eye; inspection.
Thenceforth I thought thee worth my nearer view.
Objects near our view are thought greater than those of a larger size that are more remote.
Surveying nature with too nice a view.
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Jan 17, 2024
View
Mental survey; intellectual perception or examination; as, a just view of the arguments or facts in a case.
I have with exact view perused thee, Hector.
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Jan 17, 2024
View
Power of seeing, either physically or mentally; reach or range of sight; extent of prospect.
The walls of Pluto's palace are in view.
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Jan 17, 2024
View
That which is seen or beheld; sight presented to the natural or intellectual eye; scene; prospect; as, the view from a window.
'T is distance lends enchantment to the view.
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Jan 17, 2024
View
The pictorial representation of a scene; a sketch, either drawn or painted; as, a fine view of Lake George.
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Jan 17, 2024
View
Mode of looking at anything; manner of apprehension; conception; opinion; judgment; as, to state one's views of the policy which ought to be pursued.
To give a right view of this mistaken part of liberty.
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Jan 17, 2024
View
That which is looked towards, or kept in sight, as object, aim, intention, purpose, design; as, he did it with a view of escaping.
No man sets himself about anything but upon some view or other which serves him for a reason.
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Jan 17, 2024
View
Appearance; show; aspect.
[Graces] which, by the splendor of her viewDazzled, before we never knew.
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Jan 17, 2024
View
To see; to behold; especially, to look at with attention, or for the purpose of examining; to examine with the eye; to inspect; to explore.
O, let me view his visage, being dead.
Nearer to view his prey, and, unespied,To mark what of their state he more might learn.
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Jan 17, 2024
View
To survey or examine mentally; to consider; as, to view the subject in all its aspects.
The happiest youth, viewing his progress through.
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Jan 17, 2024
View
A way of regarding situations or topics etc.;
Consider what follows from the positivist view
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Jan 17, 2024
View
The visual percept of a region;
The most desirable feature of the park are the beautiful views
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Jan 17, 2024
View
The act of looking or seeing or observing;
He tried to get a better view of it
His survey of the battlefield was limited
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Jan 17, 2024
View
A personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty;
My opinion differs from yours
What are your thoughts on Haiti?
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Jan 17, 2024
View
A message expressing a belief about something; the expression of a belief that is held with confidence but not substantiated by positive knowledge or proof;
His opinions appeared frequently on the editorial page
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Jan 17, 2024
View
Purpose; the phrase `with a view to' means `with the intention of' or `for the purpose of';
He took the computer with a view to pawning it
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Jan 17, 2024
View
Graphic art consisting of the graphic or photographic representation of a visual percept;
He painted scenes from everyday life
Figure 2 shows photographic and schematic views of the equipment
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Jan 17, 2024
View
The range of interest or activity that can be anticipated;
It is beyond the horizon of present knowledge
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Jan 17, 2024
View
Deem to be;
She views this quite differently from me
I consider her to be shallow
I don't see the situation quite as negatively as you do
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Jan 17, 2024
View
See or watch;
View a show on television
This program will be seen all over the world
View an exhibition
Catch a show on Broadway
See a movie
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Jan 17, 2024
View
A virtual table in a database, created by a query to present data from one or more tables.
The view combines data from multiple tables for easy analysis.
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Jan 18, 2024
View
An abstraction layer in databases, displaying data as if it were a table.
The audit view consolidates records from various audit tables.
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Jan 18, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is a view in a database?
A view is a virtual table resulting from a database query.
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Feb 21, 2024
Can views be updated in a database?
Yes, but only if the underlying base tables support the changes.
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Feb 21, 2024
What is a database table?
A database table is a structured set of data stored in rows and columns.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 21, 2024
Can a table exist without a view?
Yes, a table can exist independently of a view.
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Feb 21, 2024
What is the primary use of a table?
The primary use of a table is to store and manage data.
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Feb 21, 2024
Do views improve database performance?
Views can simplify queries but don't inherently improve performance.
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Feb 21, 2024
Are views necessary in a database?
Views are not necessary but are helpful for data presentation and security.
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Feb 21, 2024
Can tables help in data normalization?
Yes, tables are essential in organizing data for normalization.
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Feb 21, 2024
Are tables physically stored in databases?
Yes, tables are physically stored with actual data.
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Feb 21, 2024
Can a view exist without a table?
No, views require at least one underlying table to pull data from.
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Feb 21, 2024
Can a view have its own triggers?
No, views do not support triggers directly.
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Feb 21, 2024
Can views join multiple tables?
Yes, views can combine data from multiple tables.
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Feb 21, 2024
How are tables and views different?
Tables store data physically; views do not store data but display results of a query.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 21, 2024
Do views affect the underlying data?
No, views themselves don't change underlying data.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 21, 2024
Is it easier to query a view or a table?
It depends on the complexity, but views can simplify querying.
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Feb 21, 2024
Are views reusable?
Yes, views can be reused for consistent data presentation.
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Feb 21, 2024
How does security differ between tables and views?
Views can provide an extra layer of security by limiting access to underlying table data.
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Feb 21, 2024
What is the primary use of a view?
The primary use of a view is to present data in a specific format.
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Feb 21, 2024
Can a view be exported like a table?
You can export the result set of a view, but not the view structure itself.
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Feb 21, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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