Explaining the Difference between a View and a Materialized View in Oracle

When it comes to Oracle database management, the main difference between a view and a materialized view lies in their data storage and query processing.

A view in Oracle is a virtual table that does not store data physically. It is a saved SQL query that can be referenced like a table in other queries, providing a way to simplify complex queries and enhance data security through access control.

On the other hand, a materialized view in Oracle is a physical copy of the view's result set that is stored on disk. This means that the data is precomputed and stored, allowing for faster query performance at the expense of potentially stale data if not regularly refreshed.

In summary, while a view is a virtual representation of data, a materialized view is a physical snapshot of data that is periodically refreshed to maintain accuracy.