What is the purpose of normalization in relational databases?

• A. Reduces redundancy by structuring tables.
• B. Increases data obfuscation.
• C. Improves encryption.
• D. Adds more columns to tables.

Answer: (A)

Normalization aims to reduce redundant data by structuring data into related tables. By splitting information into logical units and linking them with keys, the same fact is stored in only one place, which prevents inconsistencies when updating, deleting, or inserting data. For example, separating customers, orders, and products into separate tables means a customer’s address doesn’t have to be repeated in every order row. This organization improves data integrity and makes maintenance easier. The other ideas—obfuscating data, encrypting it, or simply adding more columns—aren’t the goals of normalization.