What is Data Normalization?
Data Normalization is a systematic approach of decomposing tables to eliminate data redundancy(repetition) and undesirable characteristics like Insertion, Update and Deletion Anomalies. It is a multi-step process that puts data into tabular form, removing duplicated data from the relation tables.
History
Data normalization originated in the field of relational databases. Created by Edgar F. Codd in 1970 as part of his relational model of data, normalization is utilized to design effective databases.
Functionality and Features
Data normalization involves the process of organizing data in a database effectively. This technique organizes data into multiple tables to reduce redundancy and dependency. In a nutshell, it improves data integrity, facilitates data manipulation, and enhances query performance.
Architecture
Data normalization is structured around the concept of normal forms. There are five forms, each with increasing levels of strictness. Databases that are in higher normal forms are less likely to have anomalies and redundancies but are more complex and can have performance issues.
Benefits and Use Cases
The key advantages of data normalization include minimized data redundancy, improved data integrity, and better organizational structure. Potential use cases span industries and applications, including e-commerce data management, CRM systems, and financial data processing.
Challenges and Limitations
While normalization boasts several benefits, it is not without drawbacks. It can lead to performance issues due to the requirement of multiple table joins, and it may not easily support business requirements that change over time.
Integration with Data Lakehouse
While not directly applicable, the principles of data normalization can enhance the management of a data lakehouse. Normalization can increase data consistency and integrity in a data lakehouse, and understanding the principles of normalization can help data professionals better structure and organize their lakehouse data.
Security Aspects
Data normalization does not inherently include security measures, but a well-normalized database is easier to maintain, which can indirectly enhance security.
Performance
Normalization can benefit performance by reducing redundancy and enhancing the consistency of data. However, accessing data from separate tables can sometimes slow down data retrieval.
FAQs
What is the main purpose of data normalization? The main purpose is to minimize redundancy and dependency by organizing data in a database.
What are the types of data normalization? There are five types: First Normal Form (1NF), Second Normal Form (2NF), Third Normal Form (3NF), Boyce-Codd Normal Form (BCNF), and Fourth Normal Form (4NF).
Does normalization impact performance? Yes, normalization can both positively and negatively impact performance. It can speed up data retrieval, but it can also slow it down depending on the number of tables a query must join.
Glossary
Redundancy: Unnecessary repetition of data.
Data Anomaly: An inconsistency or irregularity in data.
Data Integrity: The accuracy and consistency of data over its lifecycle.
Data Lakehouse: A hybrid data management platform that combines the features of a data lake and a data warehouse.
Relational Model: A type of database model that stores data in a structured format, using rows and columns.
