Data Flow Diagrams
A data flow diagram is a method that is used to visualize information within a system, and it is used to show hi information flows in a system or process. Data flow diagrams may be made up of data stores, inputs, and outputs, and other processes in which the data moves. Data flow diagrams offer a visual presentation of a system accessible to both non-specialist and computer experts. DFDs are made up of standardized notations and symbols that describe various entities and their relationship. DFDs have been vital as they provide wide opportunities for technology experts to show and document the path taken by data (Yourdon and Constantine, 2006). When designing data flow diagrams, analysts start with a presentation of the system and move I to finer details of each process. The core purpose of employing the data flow diagram is to portray the system’s scope and boundaries as a whole. Data flow diagrams play a critical role in understanding a process or system and can also help implement a new process. DFDs ensure a program is well organized. There are two main types of data flow systems (Yourdon and Constantine, 2006). The logical DFDs focuses on the system and shows how data moves in the system, while physical DFDs show the implementation of data flow in the system.
References
Yourdon, E., & Constantine, L. L. (2006). Dataflow Diagrams. Just Enough Structured Analysis.