What is the primary goal of data normalization?

The primary goal of data normalization is to minimize redundancy and ensure data integrity. Normalization is a process used in database design that organizes data to reduce duplication and avoid undesirable characteristics like update anomalies. By breaking down a large table into smaller, related tables, data normalization helps in establishing a clear relationship between entities while ensuring that any changes to data (such as updates) are made in a single location. This structured arrangement minimizes the chances of inconsistencies or errors and preserves the accuracy and reliability of the data stored within the database.

While improving processing speed, enhancing user interfaces, and maximizing data storage capacity are important considerations in database management, they are not the main focus of normalization. The essence of normalization lies in creating a logical structure that prioritizes data accuracy and efficiency, thereby supporting the overall integrity of the database.