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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.

Related Terms

Query Optimization
The process of improving database query performance through indexing, query rewriting, and schema design techniques.
Materialized View
A database object that stores the precomputed result of a query, offering faster reads at the cost of periodic refresh.
Time-Series Database
A database optimized for storing and querying timestamped data points like metrics, sensor readings, and event logs.
Database Backup
The process of creating copies of database data to protect against data loss from failures, corruption, or human error.
ACID
A set of four properties (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability) that guarantee reliable database transactions.
Cursor
A database object that enables row-by-row processing of query results, useful for operations that cannot be done in bulk.
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