What principle does First Normal Form (1NF) enforce in database design?

First Normal Form (1NF) is a fundamental principle in database normalization that focuses on the organization of data within a table. By enforcing that each cell in a table contains only one piece of information, 1NF eliminates the possibility of repeating groups and ensures that each attribute within a record is atomic. This means that values are stored in their simplest form, avoiding composite or multi-valued attributes.

This atomicity is critical because it allows for more effective data retrieval, manipulation, and integrity, ensuring that each piece of data is easy to access and understand without ambiguity. By adhering to 1NF, a database can prevent redundancy and maintain a structured approach to how data is stored, which is foundational for efficient database design.