Mastering MySQL 4

Overview

This chapter introduces you to a powerful tool for optimizing your database design: normalization. Developed in the 1970s by E.F. Codd, normalization is now a standard requirement of most database designs. By following the steps outlined in this chapter, you'll be able to reduce data anomalies and ease maintenance.

Featured in this chapter:

• 1st normal form

• 2nd normal form

• 3rd normal form

• Boyce-Codd normal form

• 4th normal form

• 5th normal form

• Denormalization