Hi there! If you are someone who is looking to optimize your SQL Server 2017 for better performance and faster query results, then materialized views are something you should definitely consider. In this journal article, we will be discussing everything you need to know about materialized views in SQL Server 2017. So, let’s get started!
What are Materialized Views in SQL Server 2017?
Materialized views are a database object that consists of a precomputed result set based on a SELECT query. These views store the result set in a physical table, providing faster query execution times and reducing the overall load on the source tables. In SQL Server 2017, materialized views are known as indexed views, and they can be created and queried using T-SQL scripts.
Unlike traditional views, materialized views store the result set in a physical table. This means that the data in the materialized view is precomputed and stored, reducing the amount of processing required for query execution. Materialized views can also be indexed to further improve query performance.
Benefits of Materialized Views in SQL Server 2017
1. Faster Query Execution Times: Since materialized views store the result set in a physical table, queries against these views can return results much faster than traditional views that must compute the result set each time a query is executed.
2. Reduced Load on Source Tables: By storing the result set in a physical table, materialized views reduce the overall load on the source tables. This can be particularly useful for tables that are frequently queried or that have large amounts of data.
3. Improved Query Performance: Materialized views can be indexed to further improve query performance. By creating indexes on the materialized views, queries can be executed even faster.
4. Simplified Query Logic: Materialized views can also simplify query logic by precomputing complex queries and storing the results in a table. This can make queries easier to write and understand, improving overall code readability.
Now that we have discussed the benefits of materialized views, let’s dive deeper into how to create and use them in SQL Server 2017.
How to Create Materialized Views in SQL Server 2017
Creating a materialized view in SQL Server 2017 is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to create a materialized view:
Step 1: Create the Source Table
The first step is to create the source table for the materialized view. This table must contain all of the columns that will be included in the materialized view. Here is an example of a source table:
| Column Name | Data Type |
|---|---|
| id | int |
| name | varchar(50) |
| city | varchar(50) |
| state | varchar(50) |
For this example, let’s assume that our source table is called Customers and contains customer data.
Step 2: Create the Materialized View
The next step is to create the materialized view itself. This can be done using the CREATE VIEW statement in SQL Server 2017. Here is an example of a materialized view:
CREATE VIEW mv_Customers AS
SELECT id, name, city, state
FROM Customers
WHERE state = ‘CA’
This materialized view will contain all of the columns from the Customers table where the state is equal to ‘CA’.
Step 3: Index the Materialized View
Once the materialized view has been created, you can index it to further improve query performance. This can be done using the CREATE INDEX statement in SQL Server 2017. Here is an example of indexing our materialized view:
CREATE UNIQUE CLUSTERED INDEX idx_mv_Customers ON mv_Customers (id)
This will create a clustered index on the id column of the mv_Customers materialized view.
Step 4: Query the Materialized View
Now that we have created our materialized view and indexed it, we can query it using T-SQL. Here is an example query:
SELECT id, name, city, state
FROM mv_Customers
WHERE city = ‘Los Angeles’
This query will return all of the columns from the mv_Customers materialized view where the city is equal to ‘Los Angeles’.
Frequently Asked Questions about Materialized Views in SQL Server 2017
Q1: What is the difference between a materialized view and a traditional view?
A: The main difference between a materialized view and a traditional view is that materialized views store the result set in a physical table, while traditional views do not. Traditional views must compute the result set each time a query is executed, while materialized views allow for faster query execution times by storing the result set.
Q2: How can materialized views improve query performance?
A: Materialized views can improve query performance by reducing the amount of processing required for query execution. By storing the result set in a physical table, queries against materialized views can return results much faster than traditional views that must compute the result set each time a query is executed. Materialized views can also be indexed to further improve query performance.
Q3: Are there any limitations to using materialized views in SQL Server 2017?
A: Yes, there are some limitations to using materialized views in SQL Server 2017. One limitation is that materialized views cannot be updated directly. To update a materialized view, you must update the source tables and then refresh the materialized view. Another limitation is that materialized views can only be used with certain types of queries and certain types of data. It is important to understand these limitations before using materialized views in your SQL Server environment.
Q4: Can materialized views be used in a high-availability environment?
A: Yes, materialized views can be used in a high-availability environment, but you need to ensure that the materialized views are configured correctly. Materialized views can be replicated to other servers using SQL Server replication or other replication technologies. This can help ensure that the materialized views are available even if the primary server goes down.
Q5: Are there any best practices for using materialized views in SQL Server 2017?
A: Yes, there are several best practices for using materialized views in SQL Server 2017. Some of these include:
- Only create materialized views for queries that are frequently executed and have a high impact on performance
- Index materialized views to improve query performance
- Refresh materialized views on a regular basis to ensure that the data is up-to-date
- Monitor the performance of materialized views to ensure that they are not causing performance issues
Conclusion
Materialized views are a powerful tool for optimizing SQL Server 2017 performance. By precomputing result sets and storing them in physical tables, materialized views can greatly improve query performance and reduce the overall load on source tables. Understanding how to create and use materialized views in SQL Server 2017 is an important skill for any database administrator or developer. By following the best practices and guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your materialized views are configured correctly and are providing the maximum benefit to your SQL Server environment.