CODEWITHSUNDEEP
databaserelational-databasenormalizationdatabase-normalization3nf
Srinivas
Srinivas

Reputation: 342

Understanding database normalization. How is the given table 3NF?

This a follow up on the answer Difference between 3NF and BCNF in simple terms (must be able to explain to an 8-year old). Why is the following table in 3NF? Pizaa,Topping is the candidate key and Topping type is partially dependent on Topping, hence it is not even in 2NF. 

 Pizza    Topping    Topping Type
-------- ---------- -------------
1        mozarella  cheese
1        pepperoni  meat
1        olives     vegetable
2        mozarella  meat
2        sausage    cheese
2        peppers    vegetable

Please explain in detail.

Upvotes: 0

Views: 198

Answers (1)

nvogel
nvogel

Reputation: 25526

The answer you linked to states that there are two keys of this table: (Pizza,Topping) and (Pizza,Topping Type). The dependency Topping->Topping Type does not violate 2NF or 3NF because Topping Type is a prime attribute (part of a candidate key). 2NF and 3NF would be violated only if Topping Type was non-prime.

This example shows the essential difference between BCNF and 3NF. BCNF is concerned with partial or non-key dependencies for all attributes, not just non-prime attributes.

Upvotes: 2

Related Questions