String normalization is the process of transforming a string into a standard format. This is often done to ensure consistency in data processing, making it easier to compare, search, or store strings. Common techniques include converting all characters to lowercase, removing extra spaces, and replacing special characters with a standard representation. In programming and data management, string normalization is crucial for tasks like data cleaning and text analysis. For example, when working with user inputs or databases, normalizing strings helps avoid issues caused by variations in spelling or formatting, ensuring that strings like “Apple” and “apple” are treated as equivalent.