What is Normalization?

1. Normalization is a process in relational database management systems (RDBMS) that involves organizing tables and data to reduce redundancy and dependency.
2. The goal of normalization is to minimize data anomalies and improve data integrity by ensuring that data is stored in a structured and efficient manner.
3. The process was introduced by Edgar F. Codd, a pioneer in the field of relational databases.
4. The normalization process is typically divided into several normal forms, each representing a level of normalization. The most common normal forms are First Normal Form (1NF), Second Normal Form (2NF), Third Normal Form (3NF), Boyce-Codd Normal Form (BCNF), and Fourth Normal Form (4NF).
5. Each successive normal form builds upon the requirements of the previous one.