Compared to BCNF, 3NF is a more restrictive normal form.Question 2Select one:TrueFalse

Understanding Normal Forms in Database Design

In the context of database normalization, we often compare different normal forms, especially Third Normal Form (3NF) and Boyce-Codd Normal Form (BCNF).

1. Definitions:

   • 3NF: A relation is in 3NF if it is in Second Normal Form (2NF) and has no transitive dependencies. This means that all non-key attributes are functionally dependent only on the primary key.
   • BCNF: A relation is in BCNF if for every one of its non-trivial functional dependencies, the left side is a superkey. This form is stricter than 3NF because it eliminates more types of functional dependencies.

2. Comparison:

   • BCNF addresses certain anomalies that 3NF does not cover. Therefore, every BCNF relation is also in 3NF, but not every 3NF relation is in BCNF.

3. Conclusion:

   • Because BCNF is more strict and addresses more complex dependency issues than 3NF, the statement "Compared to BCNF, 3NF is a more restrictive normal form" is False.

Final Answer

False. 3NF is less restrictive than BCNF.