DFD

• A data flow diagram (DFD) is a graphical or

visual representation using a standardized set
of symbols and notations to describe a
business's operations through data
movement. They are often elements of a
formal methodology such as Structured
Systems Analysis and Design Method (SSADM
).
• How are data flow diagrams used?
• DFDs make it easy to depict the business requirements of
applications by representing the sequence of process
steps and flow of information using a graphical
representation or visual representation rather than a
textual description. When used through an entire
development process, they first document the results of
business analysis. Then, they refine the representation to
show how information moves through, and is changed by,
application flows. Both automated and manual processes
are represented.
• What is the difference between a logical DFD and
physical DFD?
• Logical DFDs represent logical information flows in
relatively abstract terms. This means that they will identify
general processes, systems and activities but not provide
technology detail. Physical DFDs show more physical
information flow detail, particularly details of information
systems, applications and databases. They will also often
have more elements to better depict what information is
flowing, what actions are taken on or with the data and
the resources associated with those actions.
• What symbols and notations are used in DFDs?
• DFD notions and symbols vary according to the methodology
model employed. Some organizations have adopted their
own conventions, though this is not recommended.
• Different DFD notations include:
• Gane and Sarson
• Yourdon and De Marco
• SSADM
• UML (commonly used to map software architecture, but can
be used in DFDs)
• All DFD notions will represent the following:
• External entities: information enters from or
exits to the system being described
• Flows: define the movement of information to,
from and within the system being described
• Stores: places where information is maintained
or held, most often databases or database tables
• Processes: transform information
• Different DFD methodologies use different
symbol conventions. The differences and
symbol rules are divergent enough to make it
difficult for technologists to read the DFDs of
methodologies they're not familiar with.
• What are the different DFD levels and layers?
• Levels or layers are used in DFDs to represent progressive degrees
of detail about the system or process. These levels include:
• Level 0: Also known as a "context diagram," this is the highest level
and represents a very simple, top-level view of the system being
represented.
• Level 1: Still a relatively broad view of the system, but incorporates
subprocesses and more detail.
• Level 2: Provides even more detail and continues to break down
subprocesses as needed.
• Level 3: While this amount of detail is uncommon, complex
systems can benefit from representation at this level.
• How do you create a data flow diagram?
• While it depends on the tool used to prepare a DFD, here is a
basic breakdown of steps to follow when creating one:
• Choose a process or system to diagram.
• Select the interests involved and categorize them into external
entities, flows, processes and stores.
• Illustrate a Level 0 context diagram with basic connections.
• Create more detailed Level 1 diagrams that branch off the
processes of the context diagram, including connected flows,
stores, additional processes and external entities.
• Repeat as necessary and with a much detail as required.
• DFD of Library management system
• https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/dfd-for-library
-management-system/
• Some DFD tools include:
• Lucidchart
• Visual Paradigm
• Smartdraw
• ConceptDraw
• Creately
• https://www.freeprojectz.com/dfd/library-ma
nagement-system-dataflow-diagram
• https://www.intellspot.com/data-flow-diagra
m-examples/
• https://www.w3computing.com/systemsanaly
sis/data-flow-diagram-dfd-example/
• DFD of ATM
• https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/dfd-for-atm-s
ystem/?ref=rp
• https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/dfd-for-food-o
rdering-system/?ref=rp