How to CREATE VIEW in SQL Server

How do I create a view in SQL Server?

CREATE VIEW stores a saved, reusable SELECT statement as a virtual table.

Welcome to the Galaxy, Guardian!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Description

Why create a view in SQL Server?

Use views to hide complex joins, enforce consistent business logic, limit column exposure, and simplify permissions. A view acts like a virtual table—users query it with SELECT, but SQL Server runs the underlying stored SELECT each time.

What is the basic CREATE VIEW syntax?

Provide a view name, an AS keyword, and one SELECT statement. Optional clauses such as WITH SCHEMABINDING and WITH CHECK OPTION add safety and integrity.

How do I include parameters like WITH SCHEMABINDING?

WITH SCHEMABINDING locks referenced tables’ structure, blocking column drops or datatype changes. It boosts indexed-view performance and protects critical logic.

When should I add WITH CHECK OPTION?

Use WITH CHECK OPTION on updateable views that filter rows (e.g., WHERE customer_id = 42). SQL Server will reject INSERT or UPDATE operations that push rows outside the filter, preserving view consistency.

Can I update data through a view?

Yes, if the view references a single base table and omits disallowed constructs (TOP, DISTINCT, aggregates, GROUP BY). Otherwise, mark it WITH SCHEMABINDING, create indexed views, or fall back to read-only access.

How do I refresh or alter a view?

Run ALTER VIEW with the new SELECT body. Permissions and object ID remain; dependent procedures do not break. Alternately, DROP VIEW IF EXISTS then CREATE VIEW for a clean slate.

What are best practices?

Name views with a v_ or vw_ prefix, include schema (e.g., dbo.vw_CustomerRevenue), keep SELECT tidy, comment business rules, index base tables for performance, avoid SELECT *, and test execution plans.

Complete example

The sample view below joins Orders, OrderItems, and Products to expose total items and revenue per order.

Why How to CREATE VIEW in SQL Server is important

How to CREATE VIEW in SQL Server Example Usage


CREATE VIEW dbo.vw_LatestOrders
AS
SELECT o.id,
       c.name AS customer_name,
       o.order_date,
       o.total_amount
FROM dbo.Orders  o
JOIN dbo.Customers c ON c.id = o.customer_id
WHERE o.order_date >= DATEADD(day, -30, GETDATE());

How to CREATE VIEW in SQL Server Syntax


-- Basic
CREATE VIEW [schema_name.]view_name
AS
SELECT columns
FROM tables
[WHERE ...]
[WITH CHECK OPTION];

-- With options
CREATE VIEW dbo.vw_OrderSummary
WITH SCHEMABINDING
AS
SELECT o.id AS order_id,
       o.customer_id,
       COUNT(*) AS item_count,
       SUM(oi.quantity * p.price) AS order_total
FROM dbo.Orders   o
JOIN dbo.OrderItems oi ON oi.order_id = o.id
JOIN dbo.Products    p ON p.id = oi.product_id
GROUP BY o.id, o.customer_id;

Common Mistakes

Using SELECT * inside views causes future column additions to leak unintended data. Fix by listing explicit columns so view output stays stable.
Omitting schema names lets the view resolve to wrong tables in other schemas. Always qualify tables (dbo.Customers) and store the view in dbo.