There can be several benefits to using Databricks views, even when the view is a simple select of a table:
Improved query readability and maintainability:
By encapsulating queries in views, you can simplify complex queries, making them more readable and easier to maintain over time. Views can also help abstract application logic from the underlying database schema and provide a simple interface for querying data.
Improved security and access controls:
Views can be used to control access to sensitive data by only exposing select information to specific users or groups. By granting users permissions to views instead of tables, you can help ensure that they only have access to the data they need to see.
Improved performance:
Views can improve query performance by optimizing query execution and reducing the amount of data that needs to be read. In some cases, views may also be used to pre-aggregate data to improve performance.
However, it's important to note that there can be performance considerations when using views. In certain situations, accessing data through a view can be slower than accessing the underlying table directly. This may be the case if the view includes complex joins or subqueries that require additional processing time.
Overall, views can be a useful tool for improving query readability, security, and access controls, and in certain situations, they can also improve performance. However, it's important to carefully consider whether a view is the appropriate solution for your specific data needs, and to test the performance impact of using views on your queries.