Data normalization is a process used in database management to organize data efficiently. It involves structuring a database in a way that reduces redundancy and improves data integrity. By breaking down large tables into smaller, related ones, normalization helps ensure that each piece of information is stored only once, making it easier to update and maintain. The main goal of data normalization is to eliminate duplicate data and ensure that relationships between different data points are clear. This process typically follows a set of rules known as normal forms, which guide how to structure the data effectively for optimal performance and accuracy.