Third Normal Form
Third Normal Form (3NF) is a database normalization principle that ensures data integrity by eliminating transitive dependencies in relational database tables. It builds upon First Normal Form (1NF) and Second Normal Form (2NF) by requiring that every non-key attribute be non-transitively dependent on the primary key. This reduces data redundancy and prevents update anomalies in database design.
Developers should learn and apply 3NF when designing relational databases for transactional systems where data consistency is critical, such as in e-commerce platforms, banking applications, or enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. It is essential for maintaining data integrity, improving query performance, and simplifying database maintenance by ensuring that each piece of data is stored in only one place.