The correct answer is Reduce Data Redundancy. Database normalization is a systematic process used in relational database design to organize columns and tables to minimize data redundancy and improve data integrity. The primary goal is to eliminate redundant data (duplicate data) and ensure that data dependencies make sense, meaning that data is stored only once and in the most appropriate table.
By reducing redundancy, normalization offers several significant benefits:
- Improved Data Integrity: Less chance of inconsistencies when data is updated, as changes only need to be made in one place.
- Reduced Storage Space: Storing data only once saves disk space.
- Easier Maintenance: Databases become easier to manage and update.
- Enhanced Query Performance: While not its primary goal, a well-normalized database can sometimes lead to more efficient queries due to smaller, more focused tables.
Normalization involves breaking down large tables into smaller, related tables and defining relationships between them. This process typically follows a series of guidelines known as normal forms (e.g., First Normal Form (1NF), Second Normal Form (2NF), Third Normal Form (3NF)).