What is the SNOWFLAKE.ACCOUNT_USAGE view that contains information about which objects were read by queries within the last 365 days (1 year)?

The SNOWFLAKE.ACCOUNTUSAGE.ACCESSHISTORY view is specifically designed to track data access patterns. It records which data objects (base tables, views, and columns) were read by queries, along with information about modifications to data. This view is essential for data governance, auditing, and understanding data lineage by showing how data is accessed and used over time. The data retention for all ACCOUNTUSAGE views, including ACCESSHISTORY, is 365 days (1 year).

A. VIEWSHISTORY: This is not a standard view in the SNOWFLAKE.ACCOUNTUSAGE schema. The VIEWS view exists to list current views, but it does not track their read history.
B. OBJECTHISTORY: This is not a standard view in the SNOWFLAKE.ACCOUNTUSAGE schema. Metadata about objects is available in views like TABLES, but not in a consolidated history view.
D. LOGINHISTORY: This view is used to track user authentication events, such as successful and failed login attempts. It does not contain information about data object access within queries.

1. Snowflake Documentation: ACCESSHISTORY View. This document explicitly states

"This Account Usage view can be used to query which objects were read by queries... The view includes the base objects

columns

and views that were accessed directly by the user's query."

Source: Snowflake Inc. Official Documentation

docs.snowflake.com/en/sql-reference/account-usage/accesshistory.

2. Snowflake Documentation: Introduction to Account Usage. This document confirms the data retention period. "The retention for historical data is 365 days (1 year)."

Source: Snowflake Inc. Official Documentation

docs.snowflake.com/en/sql-reference/account-usage#data-retention.

3. Snowflake Documentation: LOGINHISTORY View. This document clarifies the purpose of the LOGINHISTORY view

distinguishing it from object access tracking. "This Account Usage view can be used to query the history of logins to the account within the last year."

Source: Snowflake Inc. Official Documentation

docs.snowflake.com/en/sql-reference/account-usage/loginhistory.