Datbase Normalization

Database normalization is a process used in database design to organize tables and data efficiently. It involves structuring a relational database in a way that reduces redundancy and dependency, leading to better data integrity and performance. The normalization process typically consists of several normal forms, each addressing specific types of data anomalies.

The primary goals of normalization are to:

1. Minimize redundancy: Reducing the duplication of data within the database helps conserve storage space and ensures consistency by eliminating the risk of conflicting information.
2. Prevent update anomalies: Normalization helps prevent anomalies such as insertion, deletion, and modification anomalies, which can occur when data is stored in a denormalized format.
3. Simplify data maintenance: By organizing data logically, normalization makes it easier to maintain and update the database structure without introducing inconsistencies.

Normalization is typically divided into several normal forms, including:

1. First Normal Form (1NF): Ensures that each table cell contains atomic (indivisible) values and there are no repeating groups of columns.
2. Second Normal Form (2NF): Builds upon 1NF by ensuring that all non-key attributes are fully functionally dependent on the primary key.
3. Third Normal Form (3NF): Further refines the structure by removing transitive dependencies, ensuring that non-key attributes are not dependent on other non-key attributes.

Additional normal forms, such as Boyce-Codd Normal Form (BCNF) and Fourth Normal Form (4NF), address more complex data dependencies and anomalies.