Databases Intermediate

What is Normalization?

The process of organizing database tables to reduce data redundancy and improve data integrity.

Normalization structures a database into normal forms (1NF through 5NF, typically up to 3NF). First Normal Form eliminates repeating groups. Second Normal Form removes partial dependencies. Third Normal Form removes transitive dependencies.

Benefits include reduced data duplication, consistent updates, and smaller tables. Trade-offs include more JOINs and potentially slower reads. Denormalization intentionally adds redundancy for read performance.

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