Synonym

A synonym is an alternative, private name for a table or view. It is a personal shortcut - it can be used only by the person who creates it.

What is a synonym

• A synonym is an alternative name for a table or view.
• It is private - only the creator can use it. Other users cannot see or use your synonyms.
• When a table is dropped, its synonyms are dropped automatically, but its aliases are retained.
• Synonyms are handy in interactive SQL (SPUFI/QMF) to avoid typing long qualified names.
• Synonyms are created with CREATE SYNONYM and removed with DROP SYNONYM.

CREATE SYNONYM - example

• A short private name CUST for the CUSTOMER table:-
  
  CREATE SYNONYM CUST FOR MM01.CUSTOMER;
• You can now code SELECT * FROM CUST; instead of SELECT * FROM MM01.CUSTOMER;
• Need to share the shortcut with others? Use CREATE ALIAS instead - synonyms stay private.