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In Azure SQL Database, you must give analysts a single, simplified, read-only object that combines data from multiple tables. The object should return current data each time it is queried and must not physically store the rows. Which database object should you create?

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A view is a virtual table whose definition is a stored SELECT statement. Because it holds no persistent data, each query against the view retrieves the latest rows from its underlying tables, giving analysts an up-to-date, simplified result set. A table physically stores data, a stored procedure runs predefined code rather than acting as a reusable query object, and an index only speeds data access-it does not present data in a combined, user-friendly form.

","answers":[{"id":2584693,"html":"

Table

","isCorrect":false},{"id":2584694,"html":"

View

","isCorrect":true},{"id":2584696,"html":"

Index

","isCorrect":false},{"id":2584695,"html":"

Stored procedure

","isCorrect":false}],"textInput":null,"matching":null,"objectiveId":1962,"objectiveTitle":"Identify considerations for relational data on Azure","nextQuestionUrl":"/study/questions/dp-900/a-developer-is-building-a-social-networking-feature-that-must-store-and/42386?HideScore=false&ObjectiveMode=RoundRobbinObjectives","questionUrl":"/study/questions/dp-900/in-azure-sql-database-you-must-give-analysts-a-single-simplified/42113","followUpPrompts":[{"id":281147,"prompt":"Can a view be updated (can analysts INSERT/UPDATE/DELETE through a view)?","response":"Yes — some views are updatable, but only when they meet certain rules. A view is updatable when the underlying SELECT maps cleanly to a single base table (no aggregates, GROUP BY, DISTINCT, TOP, or set operators) and all non-nullable columns without defaults are present or handled. If the view references joins, derived columns, or expressions, direct INSERT/UPDATE/DELETE is usually disallowed. Workarounds include INSTEAD OF triggers on the view to apply changes to underlying tables, or designing simpler views for DML. In Azure SQL Database the same T-SQL rules apply. For safety, test the specific view and use explicit permissions and triggers if you need controlled writable behavior."},{"id":281148,"prompt":"What's the difference between a view and an indexed (materialized) view?","response":"A regular view is virtual: it stores only the SELECT definition and always reads current data from underlying tables. An indexed view (often called a materialized view in other systems) persists its result set by creating a unique clustered index on the view; that physically stores rows. Benefit: much faster reads for complex aggregations/joins. Trade-offs: extra storage and write overhead because the indexed view must be maintained whenever base tables change. In SQL Server (and Azure SQL Database) you must meet strict requirements (e.g., schema binding, deterministic functions, supported constructs) to create an indexed view. Use indexed views when read performance for a stable, frequently queried result outweighs the maintenance cost."},{"id":281149,"prompt":"How do I secure a view so analysts only see specific columns or rows?","response":"Grant SELECT on the view (not the base tables) to analysts — that lets them query only the columns and rows the view exposes. Because permissions can be applied at the view level, you can hide sensitive columns or join/filter rows inside the view definition. For stronger controls, combine views with database features: use Row-Level Security (RLS) to enforce per-user row filters, or apply ownership chaining and schema separation so users can't access base tables directly. Also consider WITH CHECK OPTION on writable views to prevent DML from violating the view’s filters. Always test permission inheritance to ensure analysts cannot bypass the view to access base data."}],"presentationMode":false,"hideFeedbackForm":false,"hideResponseBadges":false,"setId":null,"skipSaveResponse":false},"canVote":false,"streak":{"value":null,"title":null,"launchConfetti":false,"isRecord":false},"id":"crucial-react-69926911c6f14fd38bbbe1e150c4e621"}

Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals DP-900 Practice Question

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