Answer 1

I'm not expert on php. But in my experience thats based on what database you are using.
When i used sqlserver the behavior there a view_table have a same position as the regular table so i can select it with php. But when i used postgress i cant call my view_table.
I have not try that with Mysql, but from what i know in Mysql view_table has the same position as regular table so its possible to select view_table from your php code query.