Chapter 10 -- Implementing Views

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Chapter 10

Implementing Views

About This Chapter

A view is a virtual table whose contents are defined by a query. Like a real table, a view consists of a set of named columns and rows of data. However, a view does not exist as a stored set of data values in a database. The rows and columns of data come from tables referenced in the query that defines the view and are produced dynamically when the view is referenced. In this chapter, you will be introduced to views and the various functionalities that they support. You will also learn how to create, modify, and delete views. Finally, you will learn how to use views to insert, update, and modify data.

Before You Begin

To complete the lessons in this chapter, you must have:

• SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition installed on a Windows 2000 Server computer.
• The ability to log on to the Windows 2000 Server computer and to SQL Server as the Windows 2000 Administrator.
• Completed the exercises in Chapter 3, "Designing a SQL Server Database," Chapter 4, "Implementing SQL Server Databases and Tables," Chapter 5, "Implementing Data Integrity," and Chapter 7, "Managing and Manipulating Data."