Normalization and Partioning

Tell me about denormalization & normalization?
& why partitioning is important?

Normalization is actually the process of dividing larger tables into smaller ones reducing the redundant data, while denormalization is the process of adding redundant data to optimize performance. Both processes are completely oposite. Normalization is carried out to prevent databases anomalies whereas Denormalization is usually carried out to improve the read performance of the database.

Partitioning is important for following purposes:

1. Reduce workload (e.g. data access, communication costs, search space)
2. Balance workload
3. Speed up the rate of useful work (e.g. frequently accessed objects in main memory)