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Data Flow Diagrams

Systems design

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21 views

Data Flow Diagrams

Systems design

Uploaded by

r235156a
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Data Flow Diagrams

A data flow diagram is the flow of data between various elements of a system in a
graphical form
It is also known as a Bubble chart
It gives an overview of what data a system processes, what transformations are
being performed, what data is stored, what results are produced and where they
flow.
Its graphical nature makes it a good communication tool between a user and a
Systems Analyst

Elements / Components of the data flow diagram

The following elements of the DFD are used to represent source, destination,
storage and data flow

External Entity

Or

Process

Or

Output

Data Flow

Data Store
Processes:

Processes represent the functions or activities that transform data within the
system.
Each process in a DFD receives input data, performs some operation, and produces
output data.
Processes are typically represented by circles or rectangles in a DFD.

Data Stores:

Data stores represent where data is stored within the system.


They can include databases, files, or any other storage mechanisms.
Data stores are depicted by rectangles with two parallel lines at each end in a DFD.

Data Flows:

Data flows represent the movement of data between processes, data stores, and
external entities.
They show the direction in which data is passed along with the system.
Data flows are represented by arrows in a DFD.

External Entities:

External entities are sources or destinations of data that interact with the system but
are outside of its boundaries.
They can be users, other systems, or devices that send or receive data from the
system.
External entities are depicted by squares or rectangles in a DFD.

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