What are the advantages of using materialized views in databases?

What are the advantages of using materialized views in databases?

Materialized views offer several advantages, such as improved query performance, reduced load on the database, and the ability to pre-aggregate data.

Can you explain how they improve query performance?

Sure! Materialized views store the result of a query physically, allowing for faster access compared to running the query on the base tables each time.

Are there any downsides to using materialized views?

Yes, some downsides include increased storage requirements and the need for regular refreshes to keep the data up-to-date.

How often should materialized views be refreshed?

The refresh frequency depends on the use case; it can be real-time, on a schedule, or manual, based on how critical the data is.

Can you give an example of a use case for materialized views?

Certainly! They are often used in reporting scenarios where complex queries need to be executed frequently, such as in business intelligence applications.