Scribd
Upload
7 views3 pages

Database Normalization Answers

Database normalization is the process of organizing data in a relational database to reduce redundancy and improve data integrity through various normal forms. Key concepts include primary keys, functional dependencies, and the impact of normalization on performance, which can have both advantages and disadvantages. Common pitfalls include over-normalization and ignoring practical use cases, while denormalization may be chosen for performance optimization and simpler queries.

Uploaded by

bockarietumbay
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
7 views3 pages

Database Normalization Answers

Database normalization is the process of organizing data in a relational database to reduce redundancy and improve data integrity through various normal forms. Key concepts include primary keys, functional dependencies, and the impact of normalization on performance, which can have both advantages and disadvantages. Common pitfalls include over-normalization and ignoring practical use cases, while denormalization may be chosen for performance optimization and simpler queries.

Uploaded by

bockarietumbay
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Database Normalization Questions and Answers

1. What is database normalization?


Database normalization is the process of organizing data in a relational database to reduce
redundancy and improve data integrity. It ensures efficient data storage, minimizes
anomalies, and enhances consistency by dividing large tables into smaller, related ones.

2. What are the different normal forms?


The different normal forms in database normalization are:
- **First Normal Form (1NF):** Eliminates duplicate columns and ensures atomicity (each
column has a single value).
- **Second Normal Form (2NF):** Achieves 1NF and removes partial dependencies by
ensuring all non-key attributes depend on the whole primary key.
- **Third Normal Form (3NF):** Achieves 2NF and eliminates transitive dependencies (non-
key attributes depend on other non-key attributes).
- **Boyce-Codd Normal Form (BCNF):** A stricter version of 3NF that ensures every
determinant is a candidate key.
- **Fourth Normal Form (4NF):** Removes multi-valued dependencies.
- **Fifth Normal Form (5NF):** Ensures no redundancy due to join dependencies.

3. What is a primary key? How does it relate to normalization?


A primary key is a unique identifier for a record in a database table. It ensures data integrity
by preventing duplicate records. In normalization, a primary key helps establish
relationships between tables and eliminates redundant data.

4. What is a functional dependency?


A functional dependency exists when one attribute uniquely determines another attribute.
For example, in a table where Employee_ID determines Employee_Name, we say
Employee_Name is functionally dependent on Employee_ID. Functional dependencies are
crucial in determining normal forms.

5. How do you determine if a table is in 1NF, 2NF, or 3NF?


- **1NF:** No repeating groups, atomic values in columns.
- **2NF:** 1NF + no partial dependencies (all attributes depend on the whole primary key).
- **3NF:** 2NF + no transitive dependencies (non-key attributes must depend only on the
primary key).

6. Can you give an example of a table that violates 1NF?


Example of a table violating 1NF:
| Order_ID | Customer | Items |
|---------|-----------|----------------|
| 101 | John Doe | Apples, Bananas |
| 102 | Jane Doe | Grapes |

Correction (1NF-compliant table):


| Order_ID | Customer | Item |
|---------|-----------|--------|
| 101 | John Doe | Apples |
| 101 | John Doe | Bananas|
| 102 | Jane Doe | Grapes |

7. How do you convert a table from 1NF to 2NF?


Steps:
1. Identify partial dependencies.
2. Separate the table into smaller tables to eliminate them.
3. Establish relationships between tables using foreign keys.

Example:
Before (1NF):
| Student_ID | Name | Course_ID | Course_Name |
|-----------|------|----------|------------|
|1 | John | C101 | Math |
|2 | Jane | C102 | Science |

After (2NF):
**Students Table**
| Student_ID | Name |
|-----------|------|
|1 | John |
|2 | Jane |

**Courses Table**
| Course_ID | Course_Name |
|----------|------------|
| C101 | Math |
| C102 | Science |

**Enrollment Table**
| Student_ID | Course_ID |
|-----------|----------|
|1 | C101 |
|2 | C102 |

8. What is the impact of normalization on database performance?


**Advantages:** Reduces redundancy, improves consistency, enhances integrity, and makes
updates more efficient.
**Disadvantages:** Increases complexity, requires more joins in queries, and may lead to
performance overhead.

9. What are common pitfalls when normalizing a database?


- Over-normalization leading to excessive table joins.
- Ignoring practical use cases (e.g., excessive fragmentation).
- Misidentifying functional dependencies.
- Not considering query performance while designing.

10. When might you choose to denormalize a database?


Denormalization is useful when:
- Performance optimization is needed (reducing joins in queries).
- Real-time analytics require faster data retrieval.
- The system needs simpler queries for reporting purposes.
- Some redundancy is acceptable for efficiency.

You might also like