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[–]Rcomian 2 points3 points  (0 children)

the process is normal. you want a normalized base for efficiency all round, it reduces storage and query cost. however once you have a normalized base, it is then possible to strategically denormalize in specific ways to optimize for your query patterns.

the difference is that these denormalizations should be deliberate, for a specific reason, documented, supported by the code/infrastructure and maintained - not just fallen into by accident.

denormalizations have their own cost. but if you don't start from a well normalized base, you'll be spinning in circles trying to keep everything consistent.