First Normal Form

First Normal Form (1NF) is a principle in database design that ensures each piece of data is stored in its simplest, most organized way. Specifically, it requires that each table has only atomic (indivisible) data points, meaning no repeating groups or lists within a single field. For example, instead of listing multiple phone numbers in one column, each phone number should have its own row or be stored in a separate, related table. This organization makes data easier to manage, search, and update, reducing errors and improving overall data integrity.