Denormalizing some database tables typically results in which of the following?

Denormalizing database tables is a process aimed at improving read performance by reducing the number of joins needed to retrieve data. When this normalization is altered, certain attributes are combined or repeated within the same table, which often leads to an increase in data redundancy. This redundancy enhances query performance because fewer tables are involved in data retrieval, yet it also means that the same piece of data could appear in multiple places.

In a normalized database structure, data is arranged efficiently to minimize duplication, while in a denormalized structure, balancing performance and redundancy is essential. While this can lead to challenges in data consistency and integrity, the primary outcome of denormalization is the introduction of increased redundancy, which directly impacts how the data is stored and accessed in the database.

The other choices, while they may seem plausible in different contexts, do not accurately describe the primary consequence of denormalizing database tables. Loss of confidentiality pertains to security concerns, unauthorized access relates to access control issues, and application malfunctions are often tied to coding or structural mistakes rather than the denormalization process itself. Thus, the main and most direct result of denormalization is an increase in redundancy within the database system.