Database normalization is the process of putting your raw data into tables using rules to avoid redundant data, optimize database performance, and ensure data integrity.
Without proper normalization, not only can you have data redundancy, which uses additional storage space, but it can be more difficult to update and maintain the database without data loss.
Normalization requires forms. Forms are sets of rules to follow to normalize your data into database tables. There are three forms that we will discuss: the first normal form, the second normal form, and the third normal form. Each of these forms has a set of rules to ensure that your database complies with the form. Each of the forms builds on the previous forms.