Normalization

Normalization, in relational database design, is the process by which data in a relational construct is organized to minimize redundancy and non-relational constructs. Following the rules for normalization, you can control and eliminate data redundancy by removing all model structures that provide multiple ways to know the same fact.

The goal of normalization is to ensure that there is only one way to know a fact. A useful slogan summarizing this goal is:

ONE FACT IN ONE PLACE!