What is database normalization and why should you do it? by Eduardo Bellani
A fully normalized database means one thing, and only one thing: your relations corresponds only one predicate under a given interpretation (i.e. your business rules).
You should properly normalize your database because it:
- Simplifies integrity enforcement and data manipulation;
- Avoids data redundancy and the risk of database inconsistency;
- Guarantees semantic correctness: no update anomalies. (Pascal 2016)
PS: As an example of the impact to the bottom line, think of it means to
have to trust, but verify every piece of data you have. How many
checks, and in how many places? What if you forget one of those?
