What do the terms linking and data normalization both refer to in a database context?

Referencing data in the context of linking and data normalization is essential for maintaining data integrity and reducing redundancy within a database. Linking refers to the practice of establishing connections between different data entities, which is achieved through references. This approach allows for a more modular and organized way of structuring data, as it promotes relationships among various documents or collections without the need to store duplicate information.

Data normalization, on the other hand, is a database design process that organizes data to minimize redundancy and dependency. This involves breaking down a database into multiple tables or collections and establishing relationships between them, often achieved through foreign keys or references. By employing normalization, data can be efficiently managed and queried, ensuring that any updates or modifications can happen in a single place without the risk of inconsistency.

Consequently, both linking and data normalization facilitate a relational structure that enhances the performance, maintainability, and integrity of the database. This is why referencing data is the correct understanding of these terms in the database context.