Which data management concept should a database developer use to create a read-only representation of data from multiple tables?

• A. Stored procedures
• B. Indexes
• C. Views
• D. Triggers

Answer: (C)

The correct choice to create a read-only representation of data from multiple tables is views. A view is essentially a virtual table that presents data from one or more tables in a specific format. It allows users to retrieve data without directly accessing the underlying tables, which is particularly useful for simplifying complex queries and enhancing security by restricting access to sensitive data.

Views are defined by a SQL query that specifies the data structure and criteria for what should be included. Once created, a view can be queried just like a regular table, but the data presented is dynamically generated based on the underlying tables whenever the view is accessed.

In contrast, stored procedures are scripts that can perform operations such as data manipulation but do not inherently create a read-only representation of data. Indexes are structures designed to improve the speed of data retrieval operations on a table but do not serve the purpose of creating a unified data representation from multiple tables. Triggers are automated actions that occur in response to certain events on a table, such as inserting or updating rows, and do not create representations of data themselves.