Database normalization sounds confusing?

What can I say? A normalized database means data redundancy is minimized. That is Relational in nature. Again, that is the "R" in RDBMS (Relational Database Management System). Do I have to follow the normalization process -- the 1st normal form (1NF), the 2nd normal form. 3rd.. etc. http://www.geekgirls.com/database_dictionary.htm Scroll to section about normalization. There are also dedicated books about normalization i've heard but haven't read. This is not to discourage some confused people including me. But normalization I think is sort of common sense. It depends on the situation. It's up to you on how you figured out at what degree of normalization to apply. I don't see it as stages. Because, you may jump directly to (3NF) or whatever you desire. And, when you backtrack from (3NF) to (2NF) -- process of denormalizing. It just happen behind the scene. Have you seen it? Tell me have you seen it? Huh.