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Data Flow Diagram Explanation

A Data Flow Diagram (DFD) is a graphical representation of data flow within a system, illustrating how input data is transformed into output results. DFDs consist of various levels, from a high-level context diagram to detailed subprocesses, and utilize specific symbols to denote processes, data flows, data stores, and external entities. They are valuable for system analysis, helping to visualize data movement and identify inefficiencies, while also facilitating communication between developers and stakeholders.

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33 views2 pages

Data Flow Diagram Explanation

A Data Flow Diagram (DFD) is a graphical representation of data flow within a system, illustrating how input data is transformed into output results. DFDs consist of various levels, from a high-level context diagram to detailed subprocesses, and utilize specific symbols to denote processes, data flows, data stores, and external entities. They are valuable for system analysis, helping to visualize data movement and identify inefficiencies, while also facilitating communication between developers and stakeholders.

Uploaded by

khushbuchawda1207
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Data Flow Diagram (DFD) – Detailed

Explanation
📘 What is a Data Flow Diagram (DFD)?
A Data Flow Diagram (DFD) is a graphical tool used to represent the flow of data through a
system. It visually shows how input data is transformed into output results through a
process. DFDs are especially useful in system analysis and design, helping to understand the
movement of data between processes, data stores, and external entities.

🔢 Levels of DFD:
1. **Level 0 (Context Diagram):**

- Represents the entire system as a single process.


- Shows interaction with external entities.
- Gives a high-level overview.

2. **Level 1 DFD:**

- Breaks down the single process of Level 0 into subprocesses.


- Shows more detailed data flow and internal data stores.

3. **Level 2 and beyond:**

- Further decomposition of Level 1 processes.


- Useful for large or complex systems.

🧩 Symbols Used in DFD:


- **Process**: Circle or rounded rectangle; represents a function or activity.

- **Data Flow**: Arrow; indicates the direction of data movement.

- **Data Store**: Open-ended rectangle; used to store data temporarily or permanently.

- **External Entity**: Square; represents people or systems interacting with the system.

📊 Example: Online Order Processing System


This example shows the data flow for an online ordering system:

1. **Customer** (External Entity) submits an order form.


2. **Order Processing** (Process) receives order details.

3. The process stores data in the **Order Database** (Data Store).

4. Order details are sent to **Payment Gateway** (External Entity).

5. Payment confirmation is received and order status is updated.

6. Confirmation is sent to the **Customer**.

📈 ASCII Representation (Level 0 DFD):

+-----------+ +------------------+
| Customer | -------> | Order Processing |
+-----------+ +------------------+
| |
v |
+---------------------+
| Order Database |
+---------------------+
|
v
+--------------------+
| Payment Gateway |
+--------------------+

✅ Advantages of DFD:
- Simple to understand and use.

- Visualizes how data moves through the system.

- Helps identify redundancies and inefficiencies.

- Useful for both developers and stakeholders.

📌 Summary:
Data Flow Diagrams are essential tools in system analysis. They allow for the visualization
of data movements and are crucial in planning, designing, and managing system
architecture. They also serve as communication tools between developers and clients.

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