Skip main navigation

New offer! Get 30% off one whole year of Unlimited learning. Subscribe for just £249.99 £174.99. New subscribers only. T&Cs apply

Find out more

Relational Databases

In this step, we'll take a closer look at how to build a relational database.

In this step, we’ll take a closer look at how to build a relational database and what to consider when planning the schema.

Normalisation

Normalisation is the process of organising data in a database. A common goal is to reduce the number of columns within a single table and have multiple tables that link and relate to each other.

Traditionally, this process goes through three steps of transformation.

First normal form

In this step, we remove repeating groups by:

  • Eliminating repeating groups in individual tables
  • Creating a separate table for each set of related data
  • Identifying each set of related data with a unique primary key.

Second normal form

We remove partial dependencies within the data, by:

  • Creating separate tables for sets of values that apply to multiple records
  • Relating these tables with a foreign key, which links to a primary key in a different table.

Third normal form

Finally, we eliminate transitive dependencies by eliminating fields that don’t depend on the key.

In the next step, we’ll explore how to work with Azure SQL Database using Query Editor.

This article is from the free online

Microsoft Future Ready: Fundamentals of Big Data

Created by
FutureLearn - Learning For Life

Reach your personal and professional goals

Unlock access to hundreds of expert online courses and degrees from top universities and educators to gain accredited qualifications and professional CV-building certificates.

Join over 18 million learners to launch, switch or build upon your career, all at your own pace, across a wide range of topic areas.

Start Learning now