Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: First normal form (1NF)
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Normalization is a stepwise method for improving relational design by eliminating redundancy and anomalies. The very first step, First Normal Form (1NF), requires that each field contain only atomic (indivisible) values and that there are no repeating groups or multivalued attributes stored in a single column.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
1NF focuses on atomicity and tabular integrity: rows and columns form a simple table where each intersection holds one value of the appropriate domain. Eliminating multivalued attributes often requires moving them into separate rows or a related child table to preserve atomicity and support efficient querying and indexing.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Normalization theory defines 1NF precisely as the absence of repeating groups and multivalued attributes. Higher normal forms (2NF, 3NF, BCNF, 4NF) address functional and multivalued dependencies beyond atomicity but assume 1NF as a prerequisite.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
Final Answer:
First normal form (1NF)
Discussion & Comments