Normalization is a process in computer science which converts data in a database to a more consistent form. In essence, it is a process of reorganizing data in a database for better storage and usability. This is done to reduce data redundancy and minimize the the insertion, update, and deletion anomalies, allowing for better data integrity.
Normalization usually involves dividing a database into two or more related tables and defining relationships between them. This is done by analyzing the given data and breaking them up into smaller pieces, eliminating redundant data while maintaining essential data in each table. It is beneficial in terms of efficiency and data integrity.
The most common normal forms are called the First Normal Form (1NF), Second Normal Form (2NF), and Third Normal Form (3NF). These are a series of guidelines used to reduce data redundancy and create better relations between tables.
In the 1NF, data is contained within a single table and an atomic value is assigned to each attribute. There are no repeating groups and duplicated data is removed.
The 2NF expands on the 1NF by making sure each of the non-key attributes depends on the entire primary key.
The 3NF is the most widely used form of normalization and is a step further from the 2NF. In this form, all non-key attributes must only depend on the primary key and not on any other non-key attribute.
Normalization has become a widely accepted approach to database design and is an important consideration not only to maintain data integrity, but also to ensure the efficient utilization of data.
