Scribd
Upload
22 views

DFD - Data Flow Model

The document discusses data flow diagrams (DFDs), which are graphical representations of data flow through information systems. DFDs show the flow of data between external entities, processes, and data stores using standard symbols. They describe the structure and processing of data without specifying the order that processes execute. Some key points: - DFDs depict the flow of data through processes, external entities, and data stores using common symbols. - Processes transform input data into output, while data stores hold data and external entities provide input or receive output. - Rules govern valid connections between symbols and ensure data flows properly without dead ends or loops. - DFDs differ from flowcharts, which show control

Uploaded by

Aye Khaing Khaing Moe
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
22 views

DFD - Data Flow Model

The document discusses data flow diagrams (DFDs), which are graphical representations of data flow through information systems. DFDs show the flow of data between external entities, processes, and data stores using standard symbols. They describe the structure and processing of data without specifying the order that processes execute. Some key points: - DFDs depict the flow of data through processes, external entities, and data stores using common symbols. - Processes transform input data into output, while data stores hold data and external entities provide input or receive output. - Rules govern valid connections between symbols and ensure data flows properly without dead ends or loops. - DFDs differ from flowcharts, which show control

Uploaded by

Aye Khaing Khaing Moe
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 20

Data Flow Diagram

 A data flow diagram (DFD) is a graphical


representation of the "flow" of data through an
information system.

 DFDs can also be used for the visualization of data


processing (structured design).

 It views a system as a function that transform the


input into desired output .
 DFD shows “ flow of Data”

 The flowchart describes boxes that describe


computations, decisions, interactions & loops.

 It is important to keep in mind that data flow


diagrams are not flowcharts and should not include
control elements .
DFD - Objects

 Process :A process is a unit of work that operates on


the data
 Data flow :A data flow is a named flow of data
through a system of processes
 Data store :A data store is a logical repository of
data
 External entity :An external agent is a source or
destination of data
Symbols used for designing DFDs

Figure:
Comparison of DeMarco and Yourdon and Gane and Sarson DFD symbol sets
DFD Symbols -Meanings
• A data store might contain data about customers, students,
customer orders, or supplier invoice.

• A process is the work or actions performed on data so that they are


transformed, stored, or distributed.

• A source/sink is the origin and/or destination of the data.


Sources/sinks are sometimes referred to as external entities
because they are outside the system.
Figure: Context diagram of Hoosier Burger’s food-ordering
system
Figure: Level-0 DFD of Hoosier Burger’s
food ordering system
Rules Governing Data Flow Diagramming

Process:
A. No process can have only outputs. It would be making data from nothing (a
miracle). If an object has only outputs, then it must be a source.

B. No process can have only inputs (a black hole). If an object has only inputs, then it
must be a sink.

C. A process has a verb phrase label.

Data Store:
D. Data cannot move directly from one data store to another data store. Data must be
moved by a process.

E. Data cannot move directly from an outside source to a data store. Data must be
moved by a process that receives data from the source and places the data into the
data store.

F. A data store has a noun phrase label.


Rules Governing Data Flow Diagramming
G. Data cannot move directly to an outside sink from a data store. Data must be
moved by a process.

Source/Sink:

H. Data cannot move directly from a source to a sink. It must be moved by a process
if the data are of any concern to our system. Otherwise, the data flow is not shown on
the DFD.

I. A source/sink has a noun phrase label.

Data Flow:

J. A data flow has only one direction of flow between symbols. It may flow in both
directions between a process and a data store to show a read before an update. The
latter is usually indicated, however, by two separate arrows because these happen at
different times.
Rules Governing Data Flow Diagramming
K. A fork in a data flow means that exactly the same data goes from a common
location to two or more different processes, data stores, or sources/sinks (this usually
indicates different copies of the same data going to different locations).

L. A join in a data flow means that exactly the same data come from any of two or
more different processes, data stores, or sources/sinks to a common location.

M. A data flow cannot go directly back to the same process it leaves. There must be
at least one other process that handles the data flow, produces some other data flow,
and returns the original data flow to the beginning process.

N. A data flow to a data store means update (delete or change).

O. A data flow from a data store means retrieve or use.

P. A data flow has a noun phrase label. More than one data flow noun phrase can
appear on a single arrow as long as all of the flows on the same arrow move together
as one package.
 Processes on DFDs can operate in parallel (at-the
same-time)

 Processes on flowcharts execute one at a time

 DFDs show the flow of data through a system

 Flowcharts show the flow of control (sequence and


transfer of control)
 Processes on a DFD can have dramatically different
timing (daily, weekly, on demand)

 Processes on flowcharts are part of a single program


with consistent timing

 The operations of a simple lemonade stand will be


used to demonstrate the creation of dataflow
diagrams.
Thank You!!!

You might also like