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Data Flow Diagrams

This document discusses data flow diagrams (DFDs), which are used to model the flow of data through information systems. It describes the key components of DFDs, including processes, data stores, external entities, and data flows. It provides examples of how these components are represented visually in a DFD. It also outlines characteristics of a good DFD, such as the absence of flow chart structures, conservation of data, and use of clear naming conventions. Finally, it briefly mentions some data modeling techniques used with DFDs, such as leveling and data flow balancing.

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78 views18 pages

Data Flow Diagrams

This document discusses data flow diagrams (DFDs), which are used to model the flow of data through information systems. It describes the key components of DFDs, including processes, data stores, external entities, and data flows. It provides examples of how these components are represented visually in a DFD. It also outlines characteristics of a good DFD, such as the absence of flow chart structures, conservation of data, and use of clear naming conventions. Finally, it briefly mentions some data modeling techniques used with DFDs, such as leveling and data flow balancing.

Uploaded by

ammoos
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Data Flow Diagrams

Introduction
Data flow diagram symbols
Describing a system by a Data flow diagram
Characteristics of a good Data flow diagram
Data modeling techniques
conclusion

Data Flow Diagrams


Most important tool
To model system components

Data Flow Diagrams


System processes
The data - used by these processes
Any external entities - that interact with the system
The information flows - in the system

Data Flow Diagrams


Data flow diagram symbols
Processes
Data stores / Files
Data flows
External entities

Data Flow Diagrams


1
Compute
price

Processes

Shows what systems do?


Inputs / Outputs
Processes are represented by CIRCLES
Unique number and a name
Number / Name in the circle represents process in DFD

Data Flow Diagrams


2
Get a
price

Unit
Price
Data flow

6
Record
price

Data flow

Models the passage of data in a system


Represented by lines joining system components
Direction - indicated by an arrow
The line - labeled by the name of the data flow

Data Flow Diagrams


Data flow
Between two processes
From a data store to a process
From a process to a data store
From a source to a process
From a process to a sink

Data Flow Diagrams


6
Customers
Entities with which system interacts
Supply input - Sources
Use the system output - Sinks
Designer has no control

External Entity

Data Flow Diagrams


Cost - File

Data Store

Data Store
A repository of data
Contain data that is retained in the system
Processes - enter data and retrieve data - from a data store
Represented by a thin line
Has a unique name

Data Flow Diagrams


How to describe a system by Data flow diagrams ?
Context diagram - model the whole system - by one process
External entities
Data flows between external entities and the system
Can expand each of the processes - by more detailed DFDs
To be addressed by using Process specifications

Data Flow Diagrams


What is a good Data flow diagram ?
DFD s to be Self explanatory, Complete and unambiguous
Absence of flow chart structures
Conservation of data
Good naming conventions

Data Flow Diagrams


Absence of flow chart structures
Flow chart - include boxes computations, decisions and loops
A good DFD should ------Have no data flows that split up into a number of
other data flows
Have no crossing lines
Not include flow chat loops of control elements
Not include data flows that act as signals to
activate processes

Data Flow Diagrams


Conservation of data
Very useful modeling guideline
Applies to processes and data stores
Rule of processes, A process cannot create new data.It
can only take its input data and either output it again or
transform it into a new form of data
Rule for data stores, What comes out of the data store
must first go in. It is not possible for the data store to create
new data elements

Data Flow Diagrams


Good naming conventions
Avoid meaningless names
needed data, standard operations
Naming Processes - One single phrase - Describe the
process in one sentence - Process should define a specific
action
eg., edit a withdrawal transaction
A process should not be general

Data Flow Diagrams


Good naming conventions
Naming Data Stores
Use specific names
Should contain only one specific set of structures and not
combinations
eg., Machine-schedules and parts-used by
Production-dept .
Machine-schedules and parts-used are different
kinds of structures. - separate data stores.

Data Flow Diagrams


Naming data flows between processes
Normally named as one word
eg., invoice, check.
Lead to non-uniqueness and loss of self-description

Data Flow Diagrams


Data modeling techniques
Leveling - top- down elaboration
To start with a top- level function and elaborate it in
terms of its more detailed components
Improves readability
Number of conventions need to be observed
Numbering - Context diagram is given number 0
Data flow balancing - all the data flows entering a
process are the same as those entering its leveled DFD

Data Flow Diagrams


Error handling
Logical versus physical functions

Refer the notes provided.

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