What is the goal of database normalization?

The goal of database normalization is primarily to reduce redundancy and improve data integrity within a relational database. This process involves organizing the fields and tables of a database to ensure that dependencies are properly enforced, which minimizes the duplication of data. By doing so, normalization helps prevent anomalous updates, insertions, or deletions that can lead to inconsistencies within the database.

Through various normalization forms (like first normal form, second normal form, and so on), the structure of the data is refined so that each piece of information is stored in one place only. This approach not only conserves storage space but also strengthens the database's accuracy and reliability, ensuring that data can be trusted and is effectively maintained over time.

While improving user access speeds, enabling compatibility with multiple data types, and simplifying the database structure are important aspects of database design, they are not the primary focus of normalization. The essence of the normalization process centers around ensuring that the data remains consistent, correct, and free from redundancy, thereby fostering a sound foundation for database management.