What is the process of organizing data in a database to reduce redundancy called?

The process of organizing data in a database to reduce redundancy is known as normalization. This method involves structuring a relational database in a way that minimizes duplicate data and ensures that data dependencies are logical. By creating appropriate relationships among tables, normalization helps to eliminate unnecessary duplication of data and promotes data integrity.

Normalization typically consists of several stages, known as normal forms, which define specific criteria for organizing the data. This process aids in reducing anomalies during data operations such as insertions, updates, and deletions, ultimately leading to a more efficient and manageable database system.

The focus of normalization is to create a clear structure that delineates how data entities relate to one another, ensuring that each piece of data is stored in only one place, thereby minimizing storage requirements and potential inconsistencies.