Can you explain what database normalization means?

Database normalization is the process of organizing data in a database to minimize redundancy and ensure data integrity. The main goal is to divide data into related tables and define relationships between them to avoid duplication and anomalies during updates.

The normalization process typically involves several normal forms (1NF, 2NF, 3NF, etc.), each imposing specific requirements:

• 1NF: all fields are atomic, no repeating groups.
• 2NF: all non-key fields depend fully on the primary key.
• 3NF: no transitive dependencies between non-key fields.

Example: instead of storing information about orders and customers in one table with repeating customer data, separate tables for customers and orders are created, linked by a key.

This simplifies data maintenance, reduces the likelihood of errors, and improves query efficiency.