MySQL Normalisation. How far do you take it?

[Dopple]

how far into normalisation should you take it when using mySQL?
I.e. does everyone try to have it normalised as far as they can take it? I doubt Boyce Codd would come into my helpdesk application I am working on but perhaps 3NF?? or is this just overkill.

[cs3mw]

it often depends because something in 3nf is often further normalised it just depends on what application your working on!!

[Dopple]

I suppose so. And also depends on the data going into the database.
Thanks

[felgall]

Generally you start by normalising th 3NF. You then check if boyce-codd or 4NF or 5NF applies and if so apply it (they rarely do). You then consider the use to which the data in the database will be put and then undo any normalisations where the efficiency considerations outweigh the benefits of that particular normalisation (eg. it is seldom necessary to separate city/suburb and post/zip code into a separate table so as to do away with the repetitions for the addresses in the same locality).

[Dopple]

Thanks. So really just like most things when it comes to programming and design, it's a judgement call. Think I will stick with 3NF as it should fit my purposes for what I am doing. (A helpdesk application)