Normalization is a formal process for determining which fields belong in which tables in a relational database. Normalization follows a set of rules worked out at the time relational databases were born. A normalized relational database provides several benefits:
- Elimination of redundant data storage.
- Close modeling of real world entities, processes, and their relationships.
- Structuring of data so that the model is flexible.
- Normalization ensures that you get the benefits relational databases offer. Time spent learning about normalization will begin paying for itself immediately.
