What is the primary purpose of database normalization?

• A. To minimize data redundancy and avoid update anomalies.
• B. To maximize query performance.
• C. To store large binary data efficiently.
• D. To enforce access control at row level.

Answer: (A)

Normalization aims to reduce duplicate data and protect data integrity by organizing data into related tables and enforcing dependencies. When data is repeated across many rows, updating one piece of information in one place becomes risky: if a value changes, every instance must be updated correctly, or inconsistencies—update anomalies—occur. By splitting data into separate, logically connected tables (for example, one table for customers and another for orders) and linking them with keys, every fact is stored in one place, so updates, inserts, and deletes are done consistently. This structure minimizes storage waste and the chance of anomalies, prioritizing data accuracy and maintainability. It’s not primarily about speeding up queries, and normalization isn’t about storing binary data or enforcing access control.