Final answer:
An SQL view is a virtual table that displays data from existing tables, and it can be used to simplify queries and create customized reports.
Step-by-step explanation:
An SQL view is a virtual table that is based on the result of an SQL query. It does not store any data on its own, but instead retrieves and displays data from one or more existing tables. Views can be used to simplify complex queries, provide data security, and create customized reports.
For example, let's consider the CUSTOMER table in the General Sales Database, which stores information about customers. We can create a view called 'HighValueCustomers' which only includes customers with a total purchase value greater than $1000. This view can then be used to easily retrieve the details of high-value customers without writing complex queries each time.