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Data Flow Diagram

A data flow diagram (DFD) maps out the flow of data through a system using defined symbols. It can be used to model both existing and new systems. A DFD uses rectangles, circles and arrows to represent processes, external entities and data flows. It also shows how data moves between processes and is stored in data stores.

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16 views

Data Flow Diagram

A data flow diagram (DFD) maps out the flow of data through a system using defined symbols. It can be used to model both existing and new systems. A DFD uses rectangles, circles and arrows to represent processes, external entities and data flows. It also shows how data moves between processes and is stored in data stores.

Uploaded by

laude.frances
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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DATA FLOW

The flow of data through the system.


Data Flow Diagram (DFD)

 Maps out the flow of information for any process or system.


 It uses defined symbols
 Rectangles
 Circles
 Arrows
 Short Text Labels
 Can be used to analyze EXISTING system or model NEW one.
 “say” things that are hard to explain in words.
 works both technical – nontechnical audiences (developer to CEO)
Symbols &
Notations
■ Yourdon and Coad and Yourdon and
DeMarco uses CIRCLES for processes

Symbols named after their creators:


■ Gane and Sarson uses RECTANGLES
WITH ROUNDED CORNERS “lozenges”
 Yourdon and Coad for process
 Yourdon and DeMarco

 Gane and Sarson


4 COMPONENTS OF
DFD
Symbols depicts using any conventions of DFD rules or guidelines.
1. External ■ Yourdon and Coad

Entity
 an outside system that sends
or receives data.
the sources and destinations ■ Gane and Sarson
of information of the system.
also known as terminators,
sources, sinks, or actors.
Typically drawn on the edges
of the diagram.
2. Process ■ Yourdon and Coad

 any process that changes


the data, producing an output.
Might perform calculations ■ Gane and Sarson
or sort data
Short label is used to
describe the process.
3. Data Store ■ Yourdon and Coad

 files or repositories that


hold information for later use
(database table) ■ Gane and Sarson
Receives a simple label.
(“orders”)
4. Data Flow ■ Yourdon and Coad

 the route that data takes


between external entities,
processes and data stores. ■ Gane and Sarson
Shown with arrows
DFD RULES AND
TIPS
1. Each process should have at least 1 input and an
output.

2. Each data store should have at least 1 data flow in


and 1 data flow out.

3. Data stored in a system must go through a process.

4. All process in a DFD go to another process or a data


store.
DFD Levels and Layers
■ DFD Level 0
– Also called the Context Diagram or Diagram 0
– Basic overview of the whole system
– Show system as a single high-level process.

Fill out patient info form Patient Information

Billing and Check Up Lab Results, Findings and


Result Medications,
Outpatient Recommendations
Patient
Management Doctor
Payment
Summary Report

Receipt
DFD Levels and Layers
■ DFD Level 1
– Provides a more detailed breakout of pieces of the Context Diagram
– Highlight the main functions carried out by the system.

Pre- Patient_info
Billing
check up
Patient stat

Billing
and
Claims

Checked Receipts
and
Report

Recom-
mends Patient_records

Doctor
DFD Levels and Layers
■ DFD Level 2
- then goes one step deeper into parts of Level 1.
- may require more text to reach the necessary level of detail
about the system’s functioning.

■ Progression to Levels 3, 4 and beyond is possible, but going


beyond Level 3 is uncommon.
HISTORY OF DFD
Data Flow Graph in 1970s
Edward
Yourdon

Computer Pioneer, author


of the book ”Structured
Design”
With Peter Coad for
Object Oriented Analysis
and Design
Chris Gane

Computer Pioneer, author


of the book ”Structured
Design”
 With Trish Sarson were
experts contributing the
rise of DFD

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