What does database normalization aim to achieve?

Database normalization primarily aims to reduce data redundancy and enhance data integrity. The process involves organizing a database in such a way that it minimizes duplicate data and ensures that the relationships between different data elements are logically sound. By doing so, normalization helps maintain consistency and accuracy of the data stored in the database.

When a database is normalized, it is structured into various tables properly linked by relationships. This means that instead of storing the same piece of information multiple times—which can lead to inconsistencies and errors—data is stored in a single place and referenced whenever needed. For instance, in a normalized database, customer information would be stored in one table and referenced by other tables to maintain relationships, thereby avoiding redundancy.

In terms of data integrity, normalization enforces rules about how data can be entered and organized, which helps reduce anomalies during data operations such as insertion, deletion, and updating. This strengthens the reliability of the database as it becomes easier to ensure that all data adheres to consistent formats and relationships.

While other options address different aspects of database management, they do not encompass the primary focus of normalization as effectively as this one.