Database Design: Normalization vs Denormalization
Database Design: Normalization vs Denormalization Normalization and denormalization are two design choices for arranging data in a database. Normalization splits data into separate, related tables so that each fact exists in one place. This reduces redundancy and helps keep data consistent. Denormalization repeats some data in fewer tables to speed up reads, at the cost of more complex updates and potential anomalies. Normalization mainly uses keys to link tables. In a typical design you let the system enforce relationships rather than store the same data in many places. A common setup looks like this: separate tables for customers, orders, order items, and products. To fetch an order summary you join several tables. The result is correct and easy to update, but queries can be slower when data grows. ...