fifth normal form (5NF)

Fifth Normal Form (5NF), also known as Project-Join Normal Form, ensures that a database's tables are designed so all data is stored without redundancy, and every piece of information can be reconstructed precisely from smaller, related tables. Essentially, it decomposes complex tables into simpler ones where no information is lost or duplicated. This level of normalization addresses scenarios where data relationships are highly interdependent, ensuring data integrity and efficient storage. In practice, 5NF guarantees that the database accurately captures complex relationships without unnecessary duplication, making data retrieval and maintenance more reliable and consistent.