Snowflake Inc.
Materialized views over external tables in database systems

Abstract:

Systems, methods, and devices for generating a materialized view over an external table. A method includes connecting a database platform to an external table such that the database platform has read access for the external table and does not have write access for the external table. The method includes generating, by the database platform, a materialized view over the external table. The method includes receiving a notification that a modification has been made to the external table, the modification comprising one or more of an addition of a file, a deletion of a file, or an update to a file in a source location for the external table. The method includes, in response to the external table being modified, refreshing the materialized view such that the materialized view comprises an accurate representation of the external table.