What does normalization involve in database design?

Normalization in database design primarily involves organizing data to reduce redundancy and improve integrity. This process is essential because it ensures that data is stored efficiently and logically within a database structure. By applying normalization techniques, such as breaking down a database into smaller, related tables and establishing relationships between them, one minimizes duplicate data entries, which can lead to inconsistencies and errors.

Normalization also enhances data integrity by enforcing rules that maintain the accuracy and reliability of data. This includes defining proper keys for unique identification of records and establishing referential integrity through foreign key relationships. Overall, normalization is a critical step in creating a well-structured database that supports effective data management and retrieval.