Database Normalization
The process of organizing a database to reduce data redundancy and improve data integrity.
Definition
Database normalization is the process of structuring a relational database to reduce data redundancy and improve data integrity by organizing data into multiple related tables. Normalization follows a series of normal forms (1NF through 5NF/BCNF), each eliminating specific types of data anomalies. First Normal Form (1NF) ensures atomic values; Second Normal Form (2NF) eliminates partial dependencies; Third Normal Form (3NF) removes transitive dependencies. Denormalization is sometimes applied for performance.
Example
“Instead of storing customer addresses in every order record, normalization moves addresses to a separate customers table linked by a foreign key.”
Synonyms
- data normalization
- schema normalization
- data deduplication
Antonyms / Opposites
- denormalization
- data redundancy
Images
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Related Terms
- database
- foreign-key
- primary-key
- sql