How to CREATE VIEW in MariaDB

How do I create and use a view in MariaDB?

CREATE VIEW builds a stored SELECT query, letting you query a virtual table as if it were a real table.

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Description

What does CREATE VIEW do in MariaDB?

CREATE VIEW stores a SELECT statement as a virtual table. You can query it like any table, but data lives in the underlying tables, keeping storage low and logic reusable.

What is the full syntax of CREATE VIEW?

Syntax supports optional OR REPLACE, algorithm hints, definer context, SQL SECURITY level, column list, and the SELECT body. See the syntax block below for every option.

How do I create a simple view of recent customer orders?

Use OR REPLACE to re-deploy safely and include ONLY necessary columns to speed joins:
CREATE OR REPLACE VIEW recent_orders ASSELECT o.id, o.customer_id, o.order_date, o.total_amountFROM Orders oWHERE o.order_date > NOW() - INTERVAL 30 DAY;

How can views simplify complex reports?

Aggregate business logic once, then have BI tools or micro-services hit that view instead of every team rewriting JOINs. This cuts duplication and prevents errors.

Can I update data through a view?

Yes, if the view is updatable: single base table, no aggregation, no DISTINCT, and all NOT NULL columns present. Otherwise, use INSTEAD OF triggers.

How do I grant access to a view without exposing tables?

Create the view with SQL SECURITY DEFINER and GRANT SELECT on the view only. Users query safely while table privileges stay locked down.

Best practices for CREATE VIEW

• Prefix view names with vw_.
• Add comments in the view body for future maintainers.
• Keep each view focused; chain simple views instead of one monster definition.

Common mistakes and fixes

Missing ALGORITHM: always declare ALGORITHM=MERGE or TEMPTABLE to avoid surprises.
Over-selecting columns: expose only what clients need to cut network payload.

Why How to CREATE VIEW in MariaDB is important

How to CREATE VIEW in MariaDB Example Usage


CREATE OR REPLACE ALGORITHM=MERGE 
SQL SECURITY DEFINER 
VIEW vw_customer_lifetime AS
SELECT c.id             AS customer_id,
       c.name           AS customer_name,
       SUM(o.total_amount) AS lifetime_value,
       COUNT(o.id)         AS orders_count
FROM Customers c
LEFT JOIN Orders o ON o.customer_id = c.id
GROUP BY c.id, c.name;

How to CREATE VIEW in MariaDB Syntax


CREATE [OR REPLACE] [ALGORITHM={UNDEFINED|MERGE|TEMPTABLE}]
[DEFINER = { user | CURRENT_USER }]
[SQL SECURITY { DEFINER | INVOKER }]
VIEW view_name [(column_list)] AS select_statement
[WITH [CASCADED | LOCAL] CHECK OPTION];

Common Mistakes

Using ALGORITHM=UNDEFINED lets MariaDB choose MERGE or TEMPTABLE, causing plan changes later. Always set the desired algorithm explicitly.
Creating a view with SELECT * ties the view to every column. When the base table changes, the view breaks. List needed columns instead.