In database management, what is the purpose of normalization?

Normalization is a systematic approach employed in database management to reduce data redundancy and improve data integrity. The main objective of normalization is to organize data in a way that eliminates unnecessary duplication and ensures that each piece of data is stored in only one place, which leads to more efficient data management overall.

By structuring the database tables and their relationships according to normalization rules—typically through various normal forms—databases can minimize the chances of data anomalies. This includes issues such as update anomalies, insertion anomalies, and deletion anomalies that can occur when the same piece of data is stored in multiple locations. For example, if a customer's address is stored in multiple tables, updating it in one table without updating the others can lead to inconsistencies. Thus, normalization helps to keep the data clean and reliable.

While other concepts mentioned, such as enhancing security or simplifying the interface, are important aspects of database design, they are not the primary focus of normalization. Similarly, while normalization can have a positive effect on query performance due to the structured nature of the data, its principal aim is to minimize redundancy rather than directly accelerating queries. Therefore, the purpose of normalization is clearly centered on reducing data redundancy and maintaining a well-organized, consistent database structure.