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database-normalization

How to answer this interview question?


As i am in between 1-2 years experience what should i say to this interview question....

What are the types of Normalization? Should i say all the normal forms or what?


Solution

  • Way too broad of a question for an interview - it could fill a small book. I would simply remember a few key points about the first 3 normal forms (4 and 5 for extra credit). Here's a somewhat decent summary of them.

    If I were interviewing you, and asked the question, I would want to hear above anything else that most db designers strive for at least 3NF but should be able to deviate from that for X reasons. Knowing when to stray from normalization and why is way more important and telling than knowing the definitions.