Normalization Summary
Normalization enforces data integrity and eliminates redundancy. Apply 1NF-3NF by default. Denormalize only where benchmarks justify it. Use generated columns and JSON for flexible attributes.
MySQL
Beginner
3 min read
Normalization — Summary
Example
-- Golden rules
-- 1. Every table has a primary key
-- 2. Every column holds one atomic value
-- 3. Non-key columns depend on the full PK
-- 4. Non-key columns depend only on the PK (not each other)
-- 5. Use FK constraints to enforce relationships
-- 6. Denormalize intentionally and document it Pro Tip
Good normalization makes JOINs easier, not harder — write good JOIN queries, not fewer tables.