What is the main benefit of a virtual table in a database?

A virtual table, often implemented as a view in a database, primarily serves to simplify complex queries by presenting data in a specific, user-friendly format. This representation can aggregate or filter data from one or more underlying tables, allowing users to interact with the data without needing to understand the complexities of the database schema or the relationships between those tables.

By providing a tailored view of the data, virtual tables can enhance productivity and accessibility for users who may not be skilled in writing intricate SQL queries. This capability is particularly important in environments where data is multidimensional or heavily normalized, as it allows users to retrieve only the necessary information in a straightforward manner.

Although virtual tables can aid in organizing data logically, they do not provide permanent storage of data or eliminate the need for physical tables, as they are dependent on the underlying data structures for their information. Additionally, while they may optimize query performance by limiting the data returned, they do not directly increase hardware capacity. Thus, the main benefit resides in their ability to clarify and streamline data access, making complex datasets manageable for users.