Discuss the relationship between data redundancy and normalization.

Please respond with a minimum of 150 words to the peer discussion post below after reading the initial discussion first.

Initial Discussion:

Discuss the relationship between data redundancy and normalization. What are the consequences if databases are not normalized? What problems is normalization addressing? Why is normalization crucial for effective database design and development?

Peer Response:

Hello class,

During my research I found that Normalization is the method of establishing the amount of redundancy on a specific table.  In other words, normalization analyzes a table and identifies a weak table structure. The objective of normalization is to: 1) The ability to illustrate and identified redundancy and data abnormalities in a relational schema and 2) Provide processes to modify schemas to remove that redundancy and anomalies.

In contrast, data redundancy is when the field in a table needs to be updated in more than one place.  Data Redundancy can lead to many problems like format inconsistencies and the finding the same information in multiple places. Normalization addresses the problem of data redundancy, by removing the redundancies on a table, making it more consistent when adding, deleting and updating information.

Finally, normalization is crucial because it properly maintains the optimal design and structure of the database, keeping it functioning as intended by the original design. Data normalization eliminates the anomalies making the analysis of the database less complicated. Normalization also benefits the database as it will take less space without all the abnormalities in it. By taking less space has the effect of increasing performance. A database that isn’t plagued by loads of unnecessary information ensures a faster and more useful data analysis. By engaging in the process of normalization, changing and updating data within the database will be easier. Since the redundancies and errors are removed, the data is much clear and modify information will be less challenging.

References:

[WhatisDBMS] (2021) Normalization in DBMS: Anomalies, Advantages, Disadvantages retrieved from https://whatisdbms.com/normalization-in-dbms-anomalies-advantages-disadvantages/ on 31 August 2021.

Watt, A., & Eng, N. (n.d.). Chapter 11: Functional dependencies, retrieved on 31 August 2021.

Watt, A., & Eng, N. (n.d.). Chapter 12: Normalization, retrieved on 31 August 2021.

Russell, G. (n.d.). Normalization. Retrieved on 31 August 2021.