In this article, we will take a look at the process of database normalization in SQL Server.
We will discuss what database normalization is and how it can be used to improve the performance of your SQL Server database.

What is Database Normalization?

Database normalization is the process of organizing data into tables in a way that minimizes duplication and redundancy. Normalization usually involves breaking up data into multiple tables and then creating relationships between those tables. The goal is to make sure that data is stored in the most efficient way possible.

Normalization can be a difficult concept to understand, but it is important to know if you want to work with databases. If you are just starting out, you might want to check out some resources that can help you learn more about normalization. Once you have a good understanding of the basics, you can start applying it to your own projects.

Database normalization is the process of organizing data in a database so that it is easy to store, update, and retrieve. This process can be used to improve the performance of a database, as well as to ensure the accuracy and consistency of data.

Forms of Normalization

There are three common normalization forms in SQL Server: first, second, and third. Each form builds upon the previous one in terms of enforceability and optimality.

The first normal form (1NF) requires that all attributes be atomic. An attribute is atomic if its value cannot be further decomposed. The 1NF enforces that each attribute must be a single value and not a composite of multiple values.

The second normal form (2NF) builds on the 1NF and requires that all non-key attributes must be fully functionally dependent on the entire primary key. In other words, no non-key attribute can be determined by any subset of the primary key.

The third normal form (3NF) builds on the 2NF and requires that all non-key attributes must be independent of each other. In other words, no two non-key attributes can determine each other.

First Normal Form

First normal form (1NF) is the most basic level of normalization. To be in 1NF, a table must have no duplicate rows and all columns must be atomic (i.e., each column contains a single value). In SQL Server, you can achieve 1NF by creating a primary key for each table. A primary key is a column or set of columns that uniquely identify a row in a table. By creating a primary key, you can ensure that no two rows in a table have the same values.

Second Normal Form

Second normal form (2NF) is all about minimizing duplication. In a 2NF-compliant database, no two rows can have the same values in all columns. In other words, each row must be unique.

There are two ways to achieve this:
1. Create a separate table for each group of duplicate values.
2. Use a composite key to uniquely identify each row.

The first option is the most straightforward way to achieve 2NF compliance. However, it can lead to a lot of tables in your database (which can be difficult to manage). The second option is more efficient from a database design perspective, but it can be more complex to implement.

When you’re designing your database, you should aim for 2NF compliance from the outset. This will save you a lot of time and effort in the long run.

Third Normal Form

Third normal form (3NF) is a database normalization form used in relational database design. It was originally proposed by Edgar Codd as part of his relational model.

3NF was designed to address the problems of second normal form (2NF), which can lead to insertion, update, and deletion anomalies. 3NF is therefore considered a stronger and more robust form of 2NF.

While 2NF and 3NF are both concerned with eliminating redundancies in data, they do so in different ways. 2NF addresses redundancy at the level of individual values, while 3NF addresses redundancy at the level of entire groups of values.

In practice, 3NF is often achieved by first achieving 2NF, then applying the following rules:
1. Eliminate transitive dependencies.
2. Eliminate N+1 dependencies.

Other Normalization Forms

There are other normalization forms beyond the three we've discussed so far. They are:
Fourth Normal Form (4NF)
Fifth Normal Form (5NF)
Domain/Key Normal Form (DK/NF)

4NF was developed to deal with certain types of anomalies that can occur in a database that's in 3NF.
5NF is even more restrictive than 4NF.
DK/NF is a variation of 3NF that's concerned with minimizing redundancy.