Normalization of Database Tables

Database normalization is the process of organizing a database to reduce redundancy and improve data integrity. It involves dividing a large table into smaller tables and defining relationships between them to minimize data redundancy. The goal of normalization is to create a database structure that is efficient, flexible, and easy to maintain.

Good database design must be matched to good table structures. In this chapter, you will learn to evaluate and design good table structures to control data redundancies, thereby avoiding data anomalies. The process that yields such desirable results is known as normalization.

To recognize and appreciate the characteristics of a good table structure, it is useful to examine a poor one. Therefore, the chapter begins by examining the characteristics of a poor table structure and the problems it creates. You then learn how to correct the table structure. This methodology will yield important dividends: you will know how to design a good table structure and how to repair a poor one.

You will discover not only that data anomalies can be eliminated through normalization but that a properly normalized set of table structures is actually less complicated to use than an unnormalized set. In addition, you will learn that the normalized set of table structures more faithfully reflects an organization’s real operations.light important information in a panel like this one. To edit this panel's color or style, select one of the options in the menu.