What does minimizing storage in a database help achieve?

Minimizing storage in a database primarily contributes to improved efficiency and speed of data access. When storage is minimized, it often involves eliminating unnecessary data, reducing redundancy, and optimizing the database structure. This leads to several benefits:

1. Faster Data Retrieval: With less data to sift through, queries can be executed more quickly, resulting in faster response times for users and applications accessing the database.

2. Reduced Load on Resources: A leaner database requires less memory and processing power to manage, which can improve overall system performance and allow for better scalability.

3. Cost Efficiency: Utilizing less storage can also lead to significant cost savings, especially when considering cloud services or physical hardware, where costs are often dictated by the amount of storage used.

By focusing on these aspects, minimizing storage enhances the overall usability and performance of a database, making it an essential practice in data management.