Why Should You Avoid Using '*' in Your Database Views?

The Pitfalls of Using "*" in Views

Contrary to popular belief, the use of "*" in view definitions can be detrimental in certain scenarios. While this approach may be convenient, it poses several risks that can lead to unexpected behavior and maintenance issues.

Ambiguity and Data Misinterpretation

One primary concern with using "" is that it can introduce ambiguity when multiple tables are joined in a view. If two or more tables share a column with the same name, the "" syntax fails to specify which column should be retrieved. This can result in the return of duplicate or inconsistent data, potentially leading to errors in downstream applications.

Hidden Changes and Vulnerability

Using "" in a view can mask changes to the underlying tables. When a column is added or removed from the source table, a view that uses "" will continue to function without any apparent issues. However, this could compromise the integrity of the data retrieved by the view if the missing column contained critical information.

Maintenance Overheads

Explicitly listing the columns in a view definition provides transparency and ease of maintenance. Without specifying the columns, it becomes more challenging to track which fields are accessible through the view and how any schema changes will impact its functionality.

Conclusion

While the use of "" in view definitions may seem like a quick and easy solution, it can lead to problems down the road. By explicitly listing the required columns, developers can ensure data integrity, avoid ambiguity, and facilitate ongoing maintenance. Therefore, it is generally advisable to avoid the use of "" in view definitions whenever possible.

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