A method for transparently upgrading derived database objects commences upon analysis of the data dictionary definition for an initial derived database object as compared to the data dictionary definition for a patched derived database object, then determining if a regenerated instance of the derived database object would be logically different from the initial derived database object. The determination is based on comparisons of the definitions of the initial derived database objects and patched definitions of respective database objects. The method produces a regenerated instance of the derived database object when a regenerated instance of the patched derived database object would be logically different from the initial derived database object. The method will suppress the production of a regenerated instance when a regenerated instance of the derived database object would not be logically different from the initial derived database object. Once regenerated or suppressed, a post-upgrade software application accesses the regenerated derived database object instance (if regenerated) or the initial derived database object if the regenerated instance was suppressed.