What is the primary purpose of database normalization in terms of data redundancy?

• A. Normalization increases data redundancy.
• B. Normalization reduces redundancy.
• C. Normalization is mainly for performance optimization.
• D. Normalization eliminates the need for indexing.

Answer: (B)

Normalization aims to minimize data redundancy by organizing data into related tables and storing each fact once. By splitting information into separate, well-structured tables and linking them with keys, the same piece of data isn’t duplicated across multiple rows. This reduces the risk of inconsistencies that arise when updates, deletions, or insertions touch multiple places. As you move through normal forms, dependencies are tightened so non-key attributes depend only on the primary key, which reinforces that single-source truth. While normalization can affect performance due to the need to join tables, its primary goal is to reduce redundancy. Indexing remains a separate technique used to speed data access.