What is the primary function of a synonym in SAP HANA?

The primary function of a synonym in SAP HANA is to simplify access to database objects. Synonyms act as aliases for database objects such as tables, views, and other database entities. They enable users to reference these objects without needing to specify the full schema name or path, thereby streamlining the SQL statements and enhancing ease of use. This is particularly useful in large databases where the full naming conventions can be lengthy and cumbersome.

For instance, if a user needs to access a frequently used table in a complex schema, creating a synonym allows them to reference the table more conveniently, improving both code readability and productivity. This functionality is vital in environments where multiple users and applications interact with various database objects, as it reduces the likelihood of errors in object names and helps maintain cleaner and more maintainable code.

The other options, while relevant to various aspects of database management, do not correctly describe the function of synonyms. Providing a user interface for database access involves different components and tools within the SAP ecosystem. Creating a view of an external data source pertains to data virtualization and access layers that synonms do not directly perform. Executing stored procedures relates to function calls within the database, which is outside the scope of what synonyms are designed for. Thus, the key