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== What is Data Flow Diagram (DFD)? ==
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A '''Data Flow Diagram (DFD)''' is a visual representation of the flow of data within a system, illustrating how [[data]] moves between processes, external entities, and data stores. DFDs are commonly used in systems analysis and design to document and analyze the flow of information in a system, helping to identify inefficiencies, redundancies, and potential areas for improvement. They are particularly useful for understanding complex processes, communication patterns, and data dependencies in an easy-to-understand manner.
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DFDs use a set of standardized symbols to represent various components of a system:
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*'''Processes''': Represented by circles or ovals, processes are the activities or functions that transform data or perform some action on it. They represent the points where data is manipulated, calculations are performed, or decisions are made.
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*'''External Entities''': Represented by squares or rectangles, external entities are the sources or destinations of data outside the system being analyzed. They can be other systems, organizations, or individuals that interact with the system.
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*'''Data Stores''': Represented by two parallel lines, data stores are places where data is stored and retrieved within the system. Data stores can be databases, files, or other types of storage systems.
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*'''Data Flows''': Represented by arrows, data flows show the movement of data between processes, external entities, and data stores. The direction of the arrow indicates the direction in which data flows, and labels on the arrows describe the data being transferred.
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When creating a Data Flow Diagram, it is essential to follow these best practices:
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*Start with a high-level view of the system and gradually decompose it into smaller, more detailed DFDs. This top-down approach helps to maintain a clear understanding of the system's overall structure and flow of data.
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*Use consistent naming conventions and symbols throughout the DFD to ensure clarity and ease of understanding.
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*Keep the diagram simple and focused, avoiding unnecessary complexity or clutter. Use a hierarchical structure to break down complex processes into simpler sub-processes.
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*Validate the DFD with relevant stakeholders to ensure its accuracy and completeness.
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In summary, a Data Flow Diagram (DFD) is a visual representation of the flow of data within a system, illustrating how data moves between processes, external entities, and data stores. DFDs are used in systems analysis and design to document and analyze the flow of information in a system, helping to identify inefficiencies, redundancies, and potential areas for improvement. By using standardized symbols and following best practices, DFDs can provide a clear and easy-to-understand view of complex processes, communication patterns, and data dependencies.
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== See Also ==
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#[[Structured Systems Analysis and Design Method (SSADM)]]
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#[[Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD)]]
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#Process Flow Diagram
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#[[Unified Modeling Language (UML)]]
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#[[Control Flow Diagram]]
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#[[Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)]]
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#[[Data Dictionary]]
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#[[Logical Data Model (LDM)]]
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#[[Functional Decomposition]]
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#Context Diagram
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== References ==
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<references />

Latest revision as of 15:10, 26 August 2023

What is Data Flow Diagram (DFD)?

A Data Flow Diagram (DFD) is a visual representation of the flow of data within a system, illustrating how data moves between processes, external entities, and data stores. DFDs are commonly used in systems analysis and design to document and analyze the flow of information in a system, helping to identify inefficiencies, redundancies, and potential areas for improvement. They are particularly useful for understanding complex processes, communication patterns, and data dependencies in an easy-to-understand manner.

DFDs use a set of standardized symbols to represent various components of a system:

  • Processes: Represented by circles or ovals, processes are the activities or functions that transform data or perform some action on it. They represent the points where data is manipulated, calculations are performed, or decisions are made.
  • External Entities: Represented by squares or rectangles, external entities are the sources or destinations of data outside the system being analyzed. They can be other systems, organizations, or individuals that interact with the system.
  • Data Stores: Represented by two parallel lines, data stores are places where data is stored and retrieved within the system. Data stores can be databases, files, or other types of storage systems.
  • Data Flows: Represented by arrows, data flows show the movement of data between processes, external entities, and data stores. The direction of the arrow indicates the direction in which data flows, and labels on the arrows describe the data being transferred.

When creating a Data Flow Diagram, it is essential to follow these best practices:

  • Start with a high-level view of the system and gradually decompose it into smaller, more detailed DFDs. This top-down approach helps to maintain a clear understanding of the system's overall structure and flow of data.
  • Use consistent naming conventions and symbols throughout the DFD to ensure clarity and ease of understanding.
  • Keep the diagram simple and focused, avoiding unnecessary complexity or clutter. Use a hierarchical structure to break down complex processes into simpler sub-processes.
  • Validate the DFD with relevant stakeholders to ensure its accuracy and completeness.

In summary, a Data Flow Diagram (DFD) is a visual representation of the flow of data within a system, illustrating how data moves between processes, external entities, and data stores. DFDs are used in systems analysis and design to document and analyze the flow of information in a system, helping to identify inefficiencies, redundancies, and potential areas for improvement. By using standardized symbols and following best practices, DFDs can provide a clear and easy-to-understand view of complex processes, communication patterns, and data dependencies.



See Also

  1. Structured Systems Analysis and Design Method (SSADM)
  2. Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD)
  3. Process Flow Diagram
  4. Unified Modeling Language (UML)
  5. Control Flow Diagram
  6. Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
  7. Data Dictionary
  8. Logical Data Model (LDM)
  9. Functional Decomposition
  10. Context Diagram






References