Database Normalisation Questions Medium
The process of converting a denormalized database table to a normalized database table involves several steps.
1. Identify the functional dependencies: Analyze the data in the denormalized table to determine the functional dependencies between attributes. This helps in understanding the relationships and dependencies within the data.
2. Create separate tables: Based on the identified functional dependencies, create separate tables for each distinct entity or concept represented in the denormalized table. Each table should have a primary key that uniquely identifies each record.
3. Define relationships: Establish relationships between the newly created tables using foreign keys. Foreign keys are attributes that refer to the primary key of another table, creating a link between the tables.
4. Eliminate redundant data: Remove any redundant data by ensuring that each attribute is stored in only one table. This helps in reducing data duplication and improves data integrity.
5. Normalize the tables: Apply normalization rules to the newly created tables to eliminate data anomalies and improve data integrity. This involves breaking down the tables into smaller, more manageable units by applying normalization forms such as First Normal Form (1NF), Second Normal Form (2NF), Third Normal Form (3NF), and so on.
6. Review and refine: Review the normalized tables and make any necessary refinements or adjustments to ensure that the data is properly organized and structured.
7. Test and validate: Test the normalized database tables to ensure that they function correctly and meet the desired requirements. Validate the data to ensure that it is accurate and consistent.
By following these steps, a denormalized database table can be successfully converted into a normalized database table, resulting in a more efficient and structured database design.