What are Normal Forms in the context of databases?

Normal forms refer specifically to the stages of data normalization in database design. Normalization is a process aimed at reducing data redundancy and improving data integrity within a relational database. The various normal forms, such as first normal form (1NF), second normal form (2NF), and third normal form (3NF), each present a set of rules that a table must meet to be considered in that particular normal form.

Achieving these normal forms involves organizing data attributes to eliminate duplication and ensure that each piece of data is stored in only one place within the database. For example, in the first normal form, all entries must be atomic, meaning that each cell contains a single value and not a set of values.

In contrast, types of database queries relate to how data is retrieved or manipulated from a database, which is distinct from the concept of normal forms. Relationships between tables describe how different tables relate or connect to each other within a database schema but do not pertain to normalization stages. Lastly, data entry formats involve the manner in which data is inputted into the database, focusing on data types and constraints rather than the structural organization of that data, which is the core focus of normal forms.