Question

One purpose of database design is to structure the data in stable structures, called normalized tables, that are not likely to change over time and that have minimal ________.

A) Data
B) Space
C) Redundancy
D) Columns

Answer 1

The answer to the student's question is 'C) Redundancy'. Database normalization aims to reduce data duplication, creating a stable and efficient schema.

Step-by-step explanation:

The purpose of database design includes structuring data in stable structures known as normalized tables, which are not likely to change over time. These structures aim to have minimal redundancy. So, the correct answer to the fill-in-the-blank question would be C) Redundancy.

Normalization in database design is a process to minimize duplication of data. When designing a database, we consider whether one of the tables is more correct than another based on its level of normalization and the specific requirements of the system. A well-normalized table reduces redundancy but still accurately represents data relationships. Switching between tables or restructuring data can correct anomalies and ensure data integrity.

There are several ways to group the data, and each has its own advantages. For example, minimizing redundancy can help with maintaining data integrity and reducing storage space. However, sometimes a denormalized structure might be advantageous for performance in certain query scenarios.