Data flow diagrams are the central tool and the basis

from which other components are developed.

The transformation of data from i/p to o/p, through
processes may be described logically and independently
of the physical components (eg. Computer, cables etc.)
associated with the system.
They are termed Logical data-flow Diagrams.

In contrast physical data flow diagrams show the actual
implementation and the movement of data between
people, department and workstations.
2. Data Dictionary
The logical characteristics of current systems data
stores, including name, description, aliases, contents
and organization.

Identifies processes where the data are used and where
immediate access to information is needed.

Servers as the basis for identifying database
requirements during system design.
3. Data Structure diagram
A pictorial description of the relation between entities(
people, places, events and things) in a system and the
set of information about the entity.
Does not deal with physical data storage.
4. Structure Chart
A design tool that pictorially shows the relation between
processing modules in computer s/w.
Describes the hierarchy of component modules and the
data that are transmitted between them.
Includes analysis of i/p to o/p transformations and analysis
of transactions.
Notations
Data flow analysis methods were developed and
promoted simultaneously by two Organizations.
1. Yourdon
2. Gane and Sarson

Logically data flow diagrams can be completed using
only 4 notations or symbols or icons.

1. Data Flow
Data move in a specific direction from an origin to a
destination in the form of a document, letter,
telephone call or virtually any other medium.
The data flow is a packet of data.

Yourdon

Gane and Sarson


2 Process
People, procedure or devices that use or produce
(transform) data. The physical component is not
identified.

3. Source or Destination of Data
External sources or destinations of data, which may be
people, programs, organizations or other entities,
interact with the system but are outside its boundry.
The term source and sink are interchangeable with
origin and destination.



Yourdon Gane and Sarson
4 Data Store
Here data are stored or referenced by a process in the system.
The data store may represent computerized or non-
computerized devices.


Each component in a data flow diagram is labeled with a
descriptive name.
Process names are further identified with a number that will be
used for identification purposes.
The number assigned to a specific process does not represent
the sequence of processes.
It is strictly for identification and will take an added value when
we study the components that make up a specific process

DFD using Yourdon Notations
Data Store
Source
Destination
Process1
Process 2
Data Flow1
Data Flow 2
Data Flow 4
Data Flow3
Data Flow 5
DFD using Gane and Sarson
Source
Destination
Data Flow1
Data Flow 2
Data Flow 4
Data Flow3
Data Flow 5
Data Store
Process 1
Process 2
Parallel Activities
Earlier figure shows that several data flows can be going
simultaneously.
Data flows may 1 and 2 may occur in parallel.
This feature of data flow diagrams, to show parallel
activities, is an additional benefit.
Other charting methods, such as flowcharts show serial
process-activities that occur only in specific order, one
after the other.
Yet organizations have many activities occurring at the
same time with concurrent data flows.
Data flow diagrams enable analysts to represent
activities more accurately by showing simultaneous
activities when they are occuring.
Advantages of data flow Analysis
These simple notations are easily understood by users and
business persons who are part of the process being studied.
Therefore, analysts can work with the users and actually
involve them in the study of data flow diagrams.
Users can make suggestions for modifications of the diagrams
to more accurately describe the business activity.
They can also examine the charts and spot problems quickly
so that they can be corrected before other design work
begins.
If problems are not found early in the development process,
they will be very difficult to correct when they are noticed
later.
Avoiding mistakes early may even present system failure.
Data flow analysis permits analysts to isolate areas of
interest in the organization and study them by
examining the data that enter the process and seeing
how they are changed when they leave the process.
As analysts gather facts and details, their increased
understanding of the process leads them to ask
questions about specific parts of the process, which
leads to additional investigation.
ie. The area of investigation is broken into successively
lower level details until all the essential components
and their interrelations can be understood.
Area of
Investigation
Still more details for second lower level area
More details for Investigation Area
More details for one lower level area
Operations Area of Organization