What are the benefits of database normalization?

The benefits of database normalization include:

1. Elimination of data redundancy: By organizing data into separate tables and eliminating duplicate data, normalization reduces data redundancy. This not only saves storage space but also ensures data consistency and accuracy.

2. Improved data integrity: Normalization helps maintain data integrity by enforcing referential integrity constraints. This ensures that relationships between tables are properly defined and maintained, preventing inconsistencies and anomalies in the data.

3. Enhanced data consistency: Normalization ensures that data is consistent across the database. By eliminating redundant data and storing it in a single place, updates and modifications only need to be made in one location, reducing the chances of inconsistencies.

4. Simplified data maintenance: With normalization, data maintenance becomes easier and more efficient. Since data is organized into smaller, more manageable tables, it is easier to update, insert, and delete records without affecting other parts of the database.

5. Improved query performance: Normalization can improve query performance by reducing the number of joins required to retrieve data. By breaking down data into smaller tables, queries can be executed more efficiently, resulting in faster response times.

6. Scalability and flexibility: Normalization allows for easier scalability and flexibility of the database. As the database grows and evolves, it is easier to add new tables or modify existing ones without impacting the entire database structure.

7. Simplified database design: Normalization provides guidelines for designing a database schema, making the design process more systematic and structured. It helps in identifying and organizing entities, attributes, and relationships, leading to a more logical and efficient database design.

Overall, database normalization helps in improving data quality, reducing data redundancy, and ensuring data consistency, leading to a more efficient and reliable database system.