When should I use denormalization?

What is denormalization and when should I use it?

Denormalization is the process of combining tables in a database to reduce the complexity of queries. You should consider using it when you need to improve read performance, especially in scenarios with heavy read operations and less frequent writes.

Can you give me an example of when denormalization is beneficial?

Sure! If you have a database for an e-commerce site, denormalizing customer and order data can speed up queries for generating sales reports, as it reduces the need for complex joins.

Are there any downsides to denormalization?

Yes, denormalization can lead to data redundancy and increased storage requirements. It may also complicate data updates, as changes need to be made in multiple places.

How do I decide if I should denormalize my database?

Evaluate your application's read vs. write patterns. If reads are significantly more frequent and performance is critical, denormalization might be a good choice.