What does normalization mean in database design?

Normalization in database design refers specifically to the process of organizing data within a database to reduce redundancy and enhance data integrity. This involves structuring the data in such a way that it adheres to certain rules or normal forms, which help ensure that the same piece of information is stored only once, thus preventing duplication. By doing so, normalization helps to maintain consistency across the database, making it easier to update and manage the data without the risk of inconsistencies.

The process often involves dividing large tables into smaller, related tables and defining relationships between them. This not only improves efficiency in data storage but also enhances the integrity of the data by ensuring that all changes propagate correctly without leaving remnants of outdated information.

Other choices are focused on different aspects of software and database management. For instance, adding new features, securing databases from unauthorized access, and updating software to improve security measures do not address the structural organization of data as normalization does. Therefore, they do not accurately convey the concept of normalization in the context of database design.