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relational-databasedata-modelingdatabase-normalization

Is it possible to tell if a database is normalised just by looking at the ERM

Is it possible to tell if a database is normalised just by looking at the ERM? What assumptions do you have just by looking at the ERM

Solution

  • Entity Relationship (ER) diagram will give you an idea about relationships between entities and helps in making assumptions about normalization, but does not guarantee that normalization was done. Looking at the structure, data and relationships (foreign keys) will confirm normalization.

    Some assumptions:

    • 1NF may have been applied. Customers, sales people, orders, payments etch. appear to be well separated
    • Foreign keys may have been applied since one-many relationships are displayed
    • Primary keys may have been used
    • Information can be tracked from supplier through to the customer, which may make product recall easier