View vs. Materialized View: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 6, 2024
A View is a virtual table representing the result of a database query, dynamically generated upon request, while a Materialized View is a physical copy of the query result, stored and periodically refreshed.
Key Differences
In the context of databases, a View acts like a virtual table that displays data based on a SQL query. It dynamically generates results at the time of access, ensuring real-time data retrieval. Conversely, a Materialized View is more like a snapshot of the data; it physically stores the result of the query, providing quicker access but potentially outdated information depending on the refresh schedule.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
Views do not consume physical storage space for the data they display, as they are essentially saved queries. They are recalculated every time they are accessed, pulling current data from the underlying tables. Materialized Views, on the other hand, occupy physical storage space as they hold a copy of the query result, which might become large depending on the dataset.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
When it comes to performance, Views can be slower for complex queries since they are executed in real-time. Materialized Views offer better performance for complex and time-consuming queries, as the results are pre-computed and stored, but at the cost of potential data staleness.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
Maintenance-wise, Views are easier to manage as they automatically reflect changes in the underlying tables. Materialized Views require a refresh mechanism, which can be set to occur at regular intervals or triggered manually, to keep the data current.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
In terms of use cases, Views are ideal for scenarios requiring up-to-the-minute data accuracy, such as real-time reporting. Materialized Views are suitable for situations where performance is critical and the data can tolerate some degree of latency, like in analytical and reporting processes where data is not rapidly changing.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Data Storage
Virtual, no physical storage of data.
Physical, stores query results.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
Performance
Can be slower for complex queries.
Faster access for complex queries.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
Maintenance
Low, auto-updates with base data.
Higher, requires refresh management.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
Ideal Use Case
Real-time data needs.
Performance-intensive, less frequent updates.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
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View and Materialized View Definitions
View
A perspective or angle from which something is seen.
The view from the mountain top was breathtaking.
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Jan 24, 2024
Materialized View
An optimization technique for read-intensive databases.
Materialized views have improved our dashboard's performance significantly.
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Jan 24, 2024
View
An opinion or way of thinking about something.
His view on the matter is quite different from mine.
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Jan 24, 2024
Materialized View
A pre-computed view for quicker query response.
The materialized view helps in quick retrieval of historical analysis data.
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Jan 24, 2024
View
A scene or prospect typically of natural beauty.
The view of the sunset over the ocean was stunning.
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Jan 24, 2024
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Materialized View
A physical copy of query results for efficient access.
We use a materialized view to speed up complex joins in our queries.
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Jan 24, 2024
View
An examination using the eyes; a look
Used binoculars to get a better view.
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Jan 22, 2024
Materialized View
A database object storing the result of a query.
The materialized view contains aggregated sales data for quick reporting.
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Jan 24, 2024
Materialized View
A stored dataset updated at defined intervals.
The materialized view is refreshed nightly to include the latest transactions.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 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 22, 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 22, 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 22, 2024
View
An aim or intention
The law was written with a view toward safeguarding privacy.
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Jan 22, 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 22, 2024
View
To look at, examine, or inspect
Viewed the stars through the telescope.
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Jan 22, 2024
View
To survey or study mentally; consider
When you view all their suggestions, you have to feel encouraged.
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Jan 22, 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 22, 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 22, 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 22, 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 22, 2024
View
(Internet) An individual viewing of a web page or a video etc. by a user.
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Jan 22, 2024
View
A mental image.
I need more information to get a better view of the situation.
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Jan 22, 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 22, 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 22, 2024
View
A virtual or logical table composed of the result set of a query in relational databases.
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Jan 22, 2024
View
The part of a computer program which is visible to the user and can be interacted with
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Jan 22, 2024
View
(transitive) To regard in a stated way.
I view it as a serious breach of trust.
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Jan 22, 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 22, 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 22, 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 22, 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 22, 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 22, 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 22, 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 22, 2024
View
Appearance; show; aspect.
[Graces] which, by the splendor of her viewDazzled, before we never knew.
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Jan 22, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 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 22, 2024
View
A way of regarding situations or topics etc.;
Consider what follows from the positivist view
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Jan 22, 2024
View
The visual percept of a region;
The most desirable feature of the park are the beautiful views
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Jan 22, 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 22, 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 22, 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 22, 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 22, 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 22, 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 22, 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 22, 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 22, 2024
View
The ability to see something from a particular place.
The building blocks the view of the park from my window.
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Jan 24, 2024
View
A display or visual representation in software.
The calendar view in the app helps organize my schedule.
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Jan 24, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What are the benefits of a Materialized View?
It offers faster query response for complex queries and reduces load on the primary database.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
What is a database View?
It's a virtual table based on a SQL query, dynamically presenting data without physical storage.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
When should I use a View?
Use a View for real-time data accuracy and when storage space is a concern.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
Does a View always display current data?
Yes, it reflects the latest data from the underlying database tables.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
How does a View impact database performance?
It can slow down performance for complex queries, as it's computed in real-time.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
What is a Materialized View?
A physical storage of query results in a database, updated at specified intervals.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
Do Views require additional storage space?
No, they don't store data physically.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
Are Materialized Views difficult to maintain?
They require more maintenance than Views, mainly for managing the refresh process.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
Can a Materialized View become outdated?
Yes, it can become outdated between refresh intervals.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
Is a Materialized View good for frequent updates?
No, it's better for scenarios with less frequent updates due to its refresh mechanism.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
Can Materialized Views be indexed?
Yes, they can be indexed for faster data retrieval.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
Are Views automatically updated?
Yes, they are updated dynamically as the base data changes.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
Can I update data through a View?
It depends on the database system and the complexity of the View.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
What happens to a Materialized View if the base data changes?
The changes will not be reflected in the Materialized View until the next refresh.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
Do Views affect data integrity?
No, they are just a representation and don't affect the underlying data.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
Can Materialized Views be used for replication?
Yes, they can be used for replicating data across different systems.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
How often should a Materialized View be refreshed?
It depends on the need for data freshness and system performance considerations.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
Can Views improve query performance?
Yes, especially for simplifying complex queries.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
Is security a concern with Materialized Views?
Yes, as they store data physically, proper access control is necessary.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
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