Normalization typically involves dividing a database into two or more tables and defining relationships between them. The process is carried out in stages, known as normal forms (NF), each with specific rules:
First Normal Form (1NF): Ensures that each column contains atomic (indivisible) values and that each column contains values of a single type. Second Normal Form (2NF): Builds on 1NF by ensuring that all non-key attributes are fully functional dependent on the primary key. Third Normal Form (3NF): Ensures that all the attributes are functionally dependent only on the primary key.