Contents
What is a Materialized View?
A materialized view, in the context of a database, is a precomputed, physically stored result of a database query. It is a database object that contains the results of a query executed against one or more base tables. Materialized views are used in database optimization to improve query performance by reducing the amount of computation required when executing complex queries.
Basic Concepts of Database Optimization
Database optimization is the process of improving database performance by organizing data more efficiently, reducing redundancy, and optimizing database schemas, query execution plans, and indexing strategies. It involves various techniques and methodologies to enhance the speed, efficiency, and responsiveness of database operations.
One of the key concepts in database optimization is the use of materialized views. These views store the results of a query in a physical form, eliminating the need to recompute the result every time the query is executed. By precalculating and storing the results, materialized views can significantly improve query performance, especially for complex and resource-intensive queries.
Materialized views are particularly useful when dealing with queries that involve aggregations, joins, or expensive computations. Instead of executing the original query against the base tables, the database system can fetch the data directly from the materialized view, resulting in faster response times and reduced overhead.
To keep the materialized views up to date, some database systems provide mechanisms for automatic refresh. This ensures that the materialized views reflect the latest changes made to the underlying data, maintaining data integrity and consistency.
In summary, a materialized view is a database optimization technique that stores the result of a query in a physical form. By precomputing and storing the result, materialized views can significantly improve query performance, reducing the computation required for complex queries. They are a valuable tool in the database optimization toolbox, providing faster response times and enhanced scalability.
Reference Articles
Read also
[Google Chrome] The definitive solution for right-click translations that no longer come up.