Chapter 6

Normalization
Database normalization is process used to organize a database into tables and columns
A table should be about a specific topic and that only those columns, which support that topic, are
included
By, limiting a table to one purpose you reduce that number of duplicate data, which helps eliminate
some issues stemming from database modifications
To assist in achieving these objectives, some rules for database table organization have been developed
The staged of organization are called normal forms.
Purpose
Evaluation and correcting table structured to minimizes data redundancies
Reduces data anomalies
Assigned attributed to table based on determination
1NF, 2NF, #NF
Higher normal forms are better than lower normal forms
Renormalization- produces a lower normal form
Results in increased performance and greater data redundancy
Need for Normalization
Used while designing a new database Analyzes the relationship among the attributes within each entity
Determines if the structure can be improved.
Improves the existing data structure and creates an appropriate database design
To minimize duplicate data
To minimize or avoid data modification issues
To simplify queries
Process
Objective is to ensure that each table conforms to the concept of well-formed relations
Each table represents a single subject
Ensures that all tables are in at least 3NF
Higher forms are not likely to be encountered in business environment
Works one relation at a time

Transitive dependency- an attribute functionally depends on another nonkey attribute.

A partial dependency exists when there is a functional dependence in which the determinant is only part of the
primary key
First Normal Form- the information is stored in a relational table and each column contains atomic values, and
there are not repeating groups of columns. An atomic value is a value that cannot be divided
Second Normal Form- the table is in first normal form and all the columns depend on the tables primary key
The normal form- the table is in second normal form and all of its columns are not transitively dependent on the
primary key
A repeating group derives its name from the fact that a group of multiple entries of the same type can exist for
any single key attribute occurrence

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