Final answer:
The characteristics of a well-structured table include minimal NULL values, full functional dependency between the PK and all non-key attributes, minimal insert, update, and delete anomalies, and minimal data redundancy. The appropriateness of a table's structure is based on its adherence to these criteria. Different ways of grouping data can affect these traits, and switching between tables may be due to the need for a clearer and more efficient design.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristics of a well-structured table in the context of database design include:
- Minimal NULL values: Having fewer NULL values ensures that the data is complete and that the table is designed to capture all necessary information in a compact way.
- Full functional dependency between the primary key (PK) and all non-key attributes: This means that all the non-key attributes are related only to the PK and not to any other non-key attribute, which is a principle of normalization.
- Minimal insert, update, and delete anomalies: Properly structured tables prevent anomalies that could lead to inconsistencies in the data when performing these operations.
- Minimal data redundancy: Reducing redundancy by ensuring that each piece of information is stored only once to avoid inconsistencies and save storage space.
Regarding whether one table is more correct than another, it depends on the tables' adherence to these principles. Grouping data differently can impact the table's structure and adherence to normalization rules, which in turn can either introduce or reduce redundancy and anomalies. Switching between tables could be necessary when answering a question if one table displays a higher conformance to the principles of good table design, making the data easier to interpret and manage.