Normalization

Normalization is a technique for assigning attributes to entities. This helps eliminate data redundancy and data anomalies.  Normalization is a technique for producing a set of relations with desirable properties, given the data  requirements of the enterprise. A technique  which can be used to help find and validate the relations for a given system

• The process of normalization was first developed by E.F. Codd in 1972
• The benefit of normalization is insertion anomalies are avoided
• To achieve this, a suitable set of relation must be found.
• The main objective of developing a logical data model for a relational system is to create an accurate representation of the data, its relationships,and constraints.
• Normalization examines the relationships which exists between the attributes of a relation.
• Normalization is often performed as a series of tests on a relation to determine whether it satisfies or violates the requirements of a given normal form.
• Normalization is necessary in order to avoid the database being susceptible to update anomalies.

The Normalization Process:

• Each table represents a single subject
• No data item will be unnecessarily stored in more than one table.
• All attributes in a table are dependent on the primary key.