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Data Flow Diagrams a Visual Guide

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Avishek Dey
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29 views

Data Flow Diagrams a Visual Guide

Uploaded by

Avishek Dey
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Data Flow

Diagrams: A Visual
Guide
Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs) are powerful visual tools used to
represent the flow of data within any system. They illustrate how
data enters, is processed, and exits a system, providing a clear
understanding of its functionality.

by Avishek Dey
Levels of Data Flow
Diagrams
1 Level 0 2 Level 1
The highest level, providing Breaks down major
an overview of the entire processes from Level 0 into
system. It shows major sub-processes, providing a
processes, data flows, and more detailed view of the
data stores without internal system.
details.

3 Level 2 4 Level 3
Further breaks down sub- The most detailed level,
processes from Level 1, providing a comprehensive
offering even more detail view of processes, data
about the system's flows, and data stores with
functioning. detailed descriptions.
Level 0 Data Flow
Diagram
Also known as a context diagram, Level 0 DFD presents an abstract
view of the system as a single process with its relationship to
external entities. It represents the entire system as a single bubble
with input and output data indicated by incoming/outgoing arrows.
Level 1 Data Flow Diagram
Level 1 DFD decomposes the context diagram into multiple
bubbles/processes. It highlights the main functions of the system
and breaks down the high-level process of Level 0 DFD into
subprocesses.
Level 2 Data Flow Diagram
Level 2 DFD goes one step deeper into parts of Level 1 DFD. It can
be used to plan or record the specific/necessary detail about the
system's functioning.
Advantages of Data Flow Diagrams
Easy to Understand Improves System Analysis Supports System Design

DFDs are graphical representations DFDs are useful for analyzing a DFDs can be used to design a
that are easy to understand and system's processes and data flow, system's architecture and
communicate, making them useful which can help identify structure, which can help ensure
for non-technical stakeholders and inefficiencies, redundancies, and that the system is designed to
team members. other problems that may exist in meet the requirements of the
the system. stakeholders.
Disadvantages of Data
Flow Diagrams
Time-Consuming Limited Focus
Creating DFDs can be a DFDs focus primarily on the
time-consuming process, flow of data in a system, and
especially for complex may not capture other
systems. important aspects of the
system, such as user
interface design, system
security, or system
performance.

Difficult to Keep Up-to-Date


DFDs may become out-of-date over time as the system evolves
and changes.
Conclusion
Levels of Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs) offer a hierarchical view of
system processes. Higher levels provide a broad overview, while
lower levels detail specific processes and data flows. Analyzing
these levels reveals system scope, data transformations, and
potential inefficiencies, helping in understanding and improving
system architecture. Effective communication and optimization
opportunities are key takeaways from DFD level analysis.

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