Describe the process of converting an unnormalized table to the first normal form (1NF).

The process of converting an unnormalized table to the first normal form (1NF) involves several steps.

1. Identify the repeating groups: Analyze the table and identify any repeating groups of data. A repeating group is a set of columns that contain similar information for multiple occurrences. For example, if a table has multiple phone numbers for a single customer, it indicates a repeating group.

2. Create a new table for each repeating group: For each repeating group identified, create a new table that includes the repeating group columns along with the primary key of the original table. This new table will have a one-to-many relationship with the original table.

3. Define a primary key for the original table: If the original table does not have a primary key, identify a unique column or combination of columns that can serve as the primary key. The primary key uniquely identifies each row in the table.

4. Remove the repeating group columns from the original table: Once the new tables for the repeating groups are created, remove the repeating group columns from the original table. These columns will now be represented as foreign keys in the new tables.

5. Ensure atomicity of data: Ensure that each column in the original table contains atomic values, meaning that it cannot be further divided. If a column contains multiple values, it should be split into separate columns.

6. Eliminate duplicate rows: Remove any duplicate rows from the original table to ensure that each row is unique.

7. Normalize the new tables: Apply the same normalization process to the new tables created for the repeating groups, if necessary. This may involve further splitting columns or creating additional tables.

8. Establish relationships between tables: Define the relationships between the original table and the new tables using foreign keys. This ensures data integrity and allows for efficient querying and manipulation of the data.

9. Review and refine the design: Review the normalized tables and make any necessary refinements to ensure that the data is properly organized and structured.

By following these steps, an unnormalized table can be converted to the first normal form (1NF), which eliminates repeating groups and ensures data integrity and efficiency in the database.