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What are the four 4 types of database normalization?

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Akshay Sharma
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Data is the most important asset for companies and businesses today. Data is the currency through which these organizations operate. Thus, this precious data and its assessment must be organized and managed properly.

The system that helps in this is called Database Management System (DBMS). It is a special type of software designed to effectively store, organize, and manage data in a structured and refined manner.

Normalization in DBMS (Database Management System) is one of its essential parts. This is an efficient and quick way to structure and organize data efficiently in its databases.

We will learn all about types of Normalization in DBMS, their uses, and features. We will also delve into the world of Database Management Systems.

So, let us delve into Database Management Systems and understand these basic concepts.

What is Database Management Systems?

The database management system (DBMS) is software that allows the user to store and manage information and data effectively. A Database Management System is just a computerized digital system for storing and managing data. Users of this program have a lot of flexibility with their data and can carry out various tasks.

Database management systems can be categorized using a variety of characteristics. Here are some of the most commonly used DBMS systems.

Distributed database management system

A set of logically connected databases makes up a distributed DBMS. A centralised database application manages these databases, which are dispersed over a network. This kind of DBMS enables routine data synchronising. By doing this, the database is updated with any alteration or change made anywhere globally.

Hierarchical database management system

Systems for managing hierarchical databases carry out organisational functions using a tree-like structure. Either top-down or bottom-up data storage is an option. It can be most simply described as a parent-child connection.

Network database management system

Thanks to this database management system, a child class may have numerous parent classes. This fulfils the need for the database to have more complicated relationships.

Relational database management system

Due to its excellent user interface, this DBMS is arguably the most well-known kind. The idea of data normalisation in the table's columns and rows is the foundation for this paradigm. When a user requires a system that can contain a lot of data and be scaled, the relational DBMS is particularly helpful.

Object-oriented database management system

The name of the system characterizes it as an object-oriented management system. This paradigm stores the data as objects rather than columns and rows. The idea of object-oriented programming (OOP) serves as the foundation for this DBMS approach.

Features of Database Management Systems

Database Management Systems allow for a wide range of features. Some of the key features of DBMS are listed below:

  • It enforces constraints for data accuracy.

  • DBMS ensures data consistency in multi-user scenarios.

  • DBMS provides tools for data protection and availability.

  • It minimizes data duplication, improving consistency.

  • DBMS supports ACID transactions for data consistency.

  • It stores metadata for documentation and management.

  • DBMS optimizes query execution for efficiency.

  • DBMS adapts to data volume and user load changes.

  • DBMS enables concurrent access while maintaining security.

  • It supports data replication for reliability.

  • DBMS facilitates data processing and integration.

  • DBMS offers user-friendly tools for interaction.

  • DBMS supports advanced data analysis.

  • DBMS tracks and audits database activity.

  • It enables data recovery in case of issues.

  • DBMS accommodates growing data and user demands.

  • DBMS includes tools for optimization and upkeep.

What is Normalization in DBMS?

Normalization makes the connections between the data points in a record as simple as possible. It substitutes a far superior and more straightforward record structure for data collection.

Making the table into smaller, more manageable pieces is how normalization in DBMS works. This procedure ensures that every single piece of data is only ever kept once, making record-keeping and data upkeep easier.

To put it simply, normalization in database management systems (DBMS) is an effective and straightforward approach to managing and organise data such that there are no duplicates and few inconsistencies.

Let us now talk about the types of database normalization.

The four types of Database Normalization.

These are the four types of database normalizations:

First Normal Form (1NF)

First Normal Form (1NF) is the state in which a table has no repeating groupings. An unauthorized table has all repetitious columns and fields deleted and relocated to a new one.

These newly created tables need the parent table. For the parent table and the derived tables to be linked, the table keys must also be a part of the parent table

Second Normal Form (2NF)

When all of the non-key fields in a table are wholly dependent on the whole key, the Second Normal Form (2NF) is employed. The idea behind this form is to shift all fields from the original table to one in which they depend on the entire key.

In simpler terms, 2NF builds on 1NF. It removes any fields with partial dependencies and moves them where they fully depend on the table key.

Third Normal Form (3NF)

When all non-key fields are distinct from one another and other non-key fields, a table is said to be in the third normal form (3NF).

3NF builds on 2NF. It eliminates the dependencies of transitive nature and allows for the independence of non-key fields.

Boyce Codd Normal Form (BCNF)

A variation of the Third Normal Form is the BCNF. But this has a much more rigorous framework. As a result, any BCNF connection is also a 3NF relation.

This version makes it even more reliable and effective by guaranteeing that each unique identifier is a candidate key.

Conclusion

Normalization in DBMS is an important process that allows for efficient organization and management of data. Database management systems eliminate data redundancy by using different normalization types like 1NF, 2NF, and BCNF.

This enables the creation a highly structured and organized database with few duplicates and mistakes.