What is the name given to a data operation that creates virtual tables when called by a user?

The term used to describe a data operation that creates virtual tables upon request by a user is known as a view. A view represents a virtual table that is constructed from the result of a query; it does not store data itself but presents data stored in one or more tables. Users can query a view just as they would a regular table, which provides a way to simplify complex queries, encapsulate logic, and enhance security by restricting access to specific data.

Unlike tables, which hold actual data, views operate as a window into that data and can present it in a meaningful way without altering the underlying tables. This feature makes views particularly useful for maintaining data integrity and ensuring that users interact with data through predefined schemas that meet their requirements.