A method and system are disclosed that allow database views and base tables to be treated identically with respect to queries, insertions, deletions and updates. The method and system include separating the data instance of a view into a logical data instance and a physical data instance. The physical data instance is extended to include identifiers on data values that are used to query insert, delete and update information in base tables. The manner in which users and applications interface with the view remains unchanged since those interactions occur at the logical level.