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3.3 Data Flow Diagram

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8 views

3.3 Data Flow Diagram

Uploaded by

dagger14053
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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A Data Flow Diagram (DFD) is a graphical representation of the flow of data within a system.

It helps
visualize how data is processed, stored, and transmitted between entities, processes, and data stores
in a system.

Components of a Data Flow Diagram

1. External Entities (Sources/Sinks):

o Represent outside elements that interact with the system (e.g., users, external
systems).

o Noted as rectangles in the diagram.

2. Processes:

o Indicate actions performed on data (e.g., calculations, transformations).

o Represented as circles or rounded rectangles.

3. Data Flows:

o Show movement of data between entities, processes, and data stores.

o Illustrated as arrows, labeled with the data they carry.

4. Data Stores:

o Represent places where data is stored (e.g., databases, files).

o Depicted as open rectangles or parallel lines.

Types of Data Flow Diagrams

1. Context Diagram (Level 0 DFD):

o A high-level overview of the system showing interactions between external entities


and the system as a whole.

o Contains a single process representing the entire system.

2. Level 1 DFD:

o Breaks down the main process from the context diagram into sub-processes.

o Shows detailed data flows and interactions between sub-processes, data stores, and
external entities.

3. Level 2 (and Beyond):

o Further decomposes the sub-processes from Level 1 into smaller components for
more detail.
Steps to Create a Data Flow Diagram

1. Identify the System Scope:

o Define the boundaries and purpose of the system being represented.

2. List All Components:

o Identify external entities, processes, data stores, and data flows.

3. Create the Context Diagram:

o Start with a single process representing the system and connect it to external entities
using data flows.

4. Decompose into Levels:

o Break down the main process into sub-processes (Level 1, Level 2, etc.).

5. Validate the Diagram:

o Ensure logical consistency and completeness of the data flows.

Example: Online Shopping System

1. Context Diagram (Level 0):

o External entities: Customer, Payment Gateway.

o Main process: Online Shopping System.

o Data flows: "Order Details," "Payment Information," "Confirmation."

2. Level 1 DFD:

o Processes:

 "Place Order"

 "Process Payment"

 "Manage Inventory"

o Data Stores:

 "Order Database"

 "Product Inventory"

o Data flows:

 "Order Details" → "Place Order"

 "Payment Information" → "Process Payment"

 "Order Confirmation" → Customer.


Tools for Creating DFDs

 Lucidchart

 Microsoft Visio

 Draw.io (now Diagrams.net)

 Visual Paradigm

 SmartDraw

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