Data Normalisation


Database normalisation is a core principle of relational database design. It reduces redundancy and prevents anomalies in data storage and retrieval, ensuring integrity and consistency across systems (Codd, 1970; Kent, 1983).

Technique Overview

Data Normalisation

Data Normalisation Definition

Normalisation is the structured process of organising relational data into tables that minimise redundancy and dependency. Formally introduced by Codd (1970, 1972), it is achieved by decomposing relations into simpler forms, guided by functional dependencies and keys, to prevent anomalies in insertion, update, and deletion (Date, 2004).

Data Normalisation Description *

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Business Evidence

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Business Application

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Further Reading

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Data Normalisation references (4 of up to 20) *

  • Codd, E.F. (1970). A relational model of data for large shared data banks. Communications of the ACM, [online] 13(6), pp.377–387. doi:https://doi.org/10.1145/362384.36268
  • Kent, W. (1983). A simple guide to five normal forms in relational database theory. Communications of the ACM, 26(2), pp.120–125. doi:https://doi.org/10.1145/358024.358054.
  • Date, C. J. (2004) An Introduction to Database Systems, 8th ed. Boston: Addison-Wesley.
  • Fagin, R. (1977). Multivalued dependencies and a new normal form for relational databases. ACM Transactions on Database Systems, 2(3), pp.262–278. doi:https://doi.org/10.1145/320557.320571.

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