Normalization is a systematic approach to organizing data in a relational database. It aims to reduce redundancy and dependency by dividing larger tables into smaller, related tables and ensuring each table contains only relevant, non-duplicated data. Normalization improves data consistency, reduces anomalies, and optimizes storage, making databases more efficient and reliable.

Why Normalize?

Without normalization, databases can face issues such as:

• Data Redundancy: Repetitive storage of data can lead to inefficiencies.
• Update Anomalies: When data is duplicated, updating one instance requires updating all instances to maintain consistency.
• Insertion Anomalies: Inserting new data can be challenging if the database structure is not well-organized.
• Deletion Anomalies: Deleting data from one table may result in the unintended loss of other valuable data.

Normal Forms in Normalization

Normalization involves several stages called normal forms (NFs). Each normal form applies a set of rules to ensure data integrity and reduce redundancy.