What is database normalization and why is it important?

Normalization is organizing data to reduce redundancy and improve data integrity.

Benefits:
• Eliminates data redundancy
• Reduces storage space
• Prevents update anomalies
• Improves data consistency

Normal Forms:
• 1NF: Atomic values, no repeating groups
• 2NF: 1NF + no partial dependencies
• 3NF: 2NF + no transitive dependencies

Example: Separate customer info from orders to avoid repeating customer data.