Compass views

A view functions as a virtual table that derives its data from multiple objects referenced in its create view statement. The data is extracted from the underlying objects when a query is run. After a view is created, it can then be queried by name in the same way that you would query a table. A view name can be in a join, an inline view, a Common Table Expression, a subquery, or a select expression. Statements to create views are complex. Therefore, using views simplifies the construction of complex queries.

As in SQL, CREATE VIEW, ALTER VIEW, and DROP VIEW are used respectively to create, update, and delete views. These view statements are supported in Compass UI, Compass API, and the JDBC driver.

You can see View metadata in the Data Catalog UI and it is also accessible through these tables:

• information_schema.views
• information_schema.view_table_usage
• information_schema.view_column_usage

Additionally, view names can be found alongside table names in the information_schema.tables table. Similarly, view columns can be found in the information_schema.columns table.

For troubleshooting guidelines, see Troubleshooting Compass queries