1NFBCNF

1NFBCNF is a database normalization form that combines the properties of First Normal Form (1NF) and Boyce-Codd Normal Form (BCNF). It is a strict normalization level aimed at reducing data redundancy and improving data integrity.

To be in 1NFBCNF, a relation must first satisfy the conditions of 1NF. This means that each attribute in a table must contain atomic values, and there should be no repeating groups of columns. In simpler terms, each cell in the table should hold a single value, and each row should be unique.

Beyond 1NF, a relation in 1NFBCNF must also adhere to BCNF. BCNF is a stricter version of Third Normal Form (3NF). For a relation to be in BCNF, for every non-trivial functional dependency X -> Y, X must be a superkey. A superkey is a set of attributes that uniquely identifies a row in a table. This rule ensures that all determinants (the left side of a functional dependency) are candidate keys.

Achieving 1NFBCNF involves decomposing tables to eliminate any functional dependencies where the determinant is not a superkey. This process can lead to a greater number of tables compared to lower normal forms, but it significantly minimizes anomalies such as insertion, deletion, and update anomalies. While highly normalized, 1NFBCNF can sometimes lead to complex queries requiring joins across many tables, which might impact performance in certain applications. It is a theoretical ideal that database designers consider when aiming for maximum data integrity.