Normalization is a vital database design process aiming to minimize data redundancy and enhance data integrity by structuring information into well-defined tables. The process includes multiple normal forms such as First Normal Form (1NF), Second Normal Form (2NF), and beyond. Each normal form addresses specific aspects like atomic values, functional dependencies, and eliminating anomalies.
The benefits of normalization encompass reduced redundancy, improved data integrity, and simplified data maintenance. However, it's crucial to strike a balance, as excessive normalization may impact query performance. The goal is to create a database structure that efficiently stores, retrieves, and maintains data while ensuring a logical and organized representation of relationships between entities.
