Final answer:
PD typically stands for Partial Dependency in the context of database normalization. It refers to a non-prime attribute depending on part of a composite primary key. Removing partial dependencies is crucial for designing efficient databases. So, the best answer is a, Partial Dependency.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of database management and normalization, PD often stands for Partial Dependency. This is a conceptual term related to the process of normalizing a database in order to reduce redundancy and improve data integrity.
Partial Dependency occurs when a non-prime attribute is dependent on part of a composite primary key, rather than on the whole key.
To explain with an example, if we had a table with the primary key consisting of columns A and B, and there was another column C in the table that only depended on column A, then column C would have a Partial Dependency on column A.
In the process of moving from the First Normal Form (1NF) to the Second Normal Form (2NF), one would need to remove such partial dependencies.
Understanding how to identify and resolve Partial Dependency is crucial for students and professionals who design databases, as it impacts the overall efficiency and robustness of the data model.
So, the best answer is a, Partial Dependency.