Database System Lab
Data Flow Diagram
External entity
External entities are objects outside the system with which system communicates.
These
are sources and destinations of the system inputs and outputs. They are also known as
terminators, sinks, sources or actors.
Process
A process receives input data and process output data with a different form or content.
Every process has a name that identifies the function it performs. Process can be as
simple as collecting input data and saving in the database or it may be as complex as
producing monthly sales report of any particular product in any selected region.
Data flow
Data flow is the path for data to move from one part of the system to another. It may
be a single data element or set of data element. The symbol of data flow is the arrow.
The arrow shows the flow direction.
Data store
Data store are repositories of data in the system. They sometimes also referred as files.
Each data store receives a simple label such as Orders.
DFD Symbols
Context diagram – Level 0:
This is top level data flow diagram and provides overview of the entire system. This
diagram contains only one process node that generalizes the entire system function in
relationship to external entities.
1. Context level diagram does not contain any data storage.
2. Entire system is represented as a single process.
3. All external entities are shown in the context diagram.
Creating Data Flow Diagrams
Lemonade Stand Example:
Create a list of activities
• Customer Order
• Serve Product
• Collect Payment
• Produce Product
• Store Product
• Order Raw Materials
• Pay for Raw Materials
• Pay for Labor
Creating Data Flow Diagrams
Creating Data Flow Diagrams
Creating Data Flow Diagrams
Creating Data Flow Diagrams
Creating Data Flow Diagrams
Creating Data Flow Diagrams
