What are the different types of database normalization and explain each of them?

Different Types of Database Normalization

Database normalization is a process used to organize a relational database into tables and columns to reduce redundancy and improve data integrity. There are several normalization forms, each designed to achieve a specific level of data integrity and efficiency. The different types of database normalization are:

1. First Normal Form (1NF): The focus of 1NF is to remove duplicate data and ensure each column in a table contains atomic values. This involves dividing the data into the smallest possible units.
2. Second Normal Form (2NF): In 2NF, the database is in 1NF, and all non-key attributes are functionally dependent on the entire primary key. This eliminates partial dependencies.
3. Third Normal Form (3NF): Building on 2NF, 3NF aims to remove transitive dependencies by ensuring that non-key attributes are dependent only on the primary key and not on other non-key attributes.
4. Boyce-Codd Normal Form (BCNF): BCNF is a stricter form of 3NF where every determinant is a candidate key. This further reduces redundancy and ensures data integrity.
5. Fourth (4NF), Fifth (5NF), and Sixth Normal Form (6NF): These higher normal forms focus on specific scenarios and are less commonly used in practice. They address more complex and specialized data normalization requirements.

Understanding and implementing these normalization forms help in designing efficient and reliable database structures, enabling optimized data retrieval and maintenance.