The Three Normal Forms in Database and Why You Might Ignore Them

The article discusses the three normal forms (1NF, 2NF, and 3NF) as fundamental database design principles. 1NF ensures atomicity by requiring each column to hold single values. 2NF builds on 1NF, eliminating partial dependencies on composite primary keys. 3NF, based on 2NF, eliminates transitive dependencies, where non-key attributes depend on other non-key attributes. While normalization improves data consistency, it's not always strictly adhered to in practice. Violations of normal forms, called denormalization, can improve performance through reduced joins. Denormalization can also simplify queries and the development process in certain situations. Furthermore, it helps meet specific business requirements. Other reasons include supporting rapid iteration and improving the understandability of the database. Reporting and data warehousing often utilize denormalized structures for efficiency. Ultimately, database design balances business needs, consistency, performance, and development efficiency.