What does 'normalize' refer to in databases?

The concept of normalization in databases fundamentally pertains to the organization of data to improve its integrity and efficiency. This process involves structuring a database in a way that reduces data redundancy and dependency by dividing large tables into smaller, related ones and establishing relationships between them. When normalization is properly applied, it ensures that each piece of data is stored in only one place, thus maintaining consistency and accuracy.

Through various normal forms—typically ranging from first normal form to higher normal forms—normalization helps eliminate anomalies during data operations, such as insertions, updates, and deletions. As a result, data integrity is bolstered, making it easier to manage and query. This clarification of data relationships and structures is what makes normalization a critical practice in database design.