Normalization is the process of organizing and structuring a relational database to reduce data redundancy and dependency. It involves dividing a database into tables and defining relationships between them, ensuring that each table serves a specific purpose without unnecessary duplication of data. The goal is to minimize data anomalies and improve data integrity. Normalization is typically carried out through a series of well-defined rules (normal forms), such as eliminating repeating groups and ensuring that data is stored in a way that avoids update, insertion, and deletion anomalies.
The term “normalization” is the process of making something more consistent or typical. Most frequently, it refers to the process through which concepts and actions that can defy societal standards are accepted as “normal” in the field of normalization (sociology) or social normalization.