What is data normalization in a relational database?

What is data normalization in a relational database?

• A. It eliminates redundancy by organizing data into related tables, using keys to link them
• B. It stores data in a single table
• C. It increases redundancy to speed up queries
• D. It ensures data types match exactly

Answer: (A)

Data normalization is the process of structuring a relational database to minimize duplicate data and ensure logical data dependencies. By organizing information into related tables and linking them with keys (primary and foreign keys), each fact is stored in one place, and data from different tables can be combined when needed. This reduces update, delete, and insertion anomalies and makes data maintenance more reliable.

That’s why the best choice describes eliminating redundancy by organizing data into related tables and using keys to link them. Storing everything in a single table creates duplication and inconsistencies; increasing redundancy to speed up queries runs counter to normalization; and ensuring data types match exactly relates more to data integrity and constraints rather than the normalization process itself.