8.1. Introduction

In previous chapters, the examples assumed that each table had a physical existence, that is, the data stored in each table occupied storage space. In this chapter we turn our attention to a different type of table structure that has no real physical existence. This structure, known as a virtual table or view, offers users and programmers an incredible amount of flexibility and control. This makes views an ideal way to look at data from a variety of perspectives and according to different users’ needs. Unlike tables, views store no data and have only a “virtual” existence. You will learn how to create, access, and delete views as you examine the many examples in this chapter.