Practical – 3

AIM: Prepare the following components of Data Flow Model: Data Dictionary, Data Flow Diagram
and Structure Chart

Objectives:

1. To learn how to prepare data dictionary.

2. To learn how to draw data flow diagrams.
3. To convert a DFD into structure chart.
Theory:

o A Data Flow Diagram (DFD) is a traditional visual representation of the information

flows within a system. A neat and clear DFD can depict the right amount of the system
requirement graphically. It can be manual, automated, or a combination of both.
o It shows how data enters and leaves the system, what changes the information, and
where data is stored.
o The objective of a DFD is to show the scope and boundaries of a system as a whole. It
may be used as a communication tool between a system analyst and any person who
plays a part in the order that acts as a starting point for redesigning a system. The DFD
is also called as a data flow graph or bubble chart.
o The following observations about DFDs are essential:
▪ All names should be unique. This makes it easier to refer to elements in the
DFD.
▪ Remember that DFD is not a flow chart. Arrows is a flow chart that represents
the order of events; arrows in DFD represents flowing data. A DFD does not
involve any order of events.
▪ Suppress logical decisions. If we ever have the urge to draw a diamond-shaped
box in a DFD, suppress that urge! A diamond-shaped box is used in flow charts
to represents decision points with multiple exists paths of which the only one is
taken. This implies an ordering of events, which makes no sense in a DFD.
▪ Do not become bogged down with details. Defer error conditions and error
handling until the end of the analysis.
o Standard symbols for DFDs are derived from the electric circuit diagram analysis and
are shown in fig:
 Term Notation Remarks

Name of the external entity is written inside the

External entity
rectangle

Process Name of the process is written inside the circle

A left-right open rectangle is denoted as data store;

Data store
name of the data store is written inside the shape

Data flow is represented by a directed arc with its data

Data flow
name

Explanation of Symbols used in DFD

• Process: Processes are represented by circle. The name of the process is written into the circle.
The name of the process is usually given in such a way that represents the functionality of the
process. More detailed functionalities can be shown in the next Level if it is required. Usually
it is better to keep the number of processes less than 7. If we see that the number of processes
becomes more than 7 then we should combine some the processes to a single one to reduce the
number of processes and further decompose it to the next level .
• External entity: External entities are only appear in context diagram. External entities are
represented by a rectangle and the name of the external entity is written into the shape. These
send data to be processed and again receive the processed data.
• Data store: Data stares are represented by a left-right open rectangle. Name of the data store
is written in between two horizontal lines of the open rectangle. Data stores are used as
repositories from which data can be flown in or flown out to or from a process.
• Data flow: Data flows are shown as a directed edge between two components of a Data Flow
Diagram. Data can flow from external entity to process, data store to process, in between two
processes and vice-versa.

.
• Background / Preparation:
Levels in Data Flow Diagrams (DFD)

The DFD may be used to perform a system or software at any level of abstraction.
Infact, DFDs may be partitioned into levels that represent increasing information flow
and functional detail. Levels in DFD are numbered 0, 1, 2 or beyond. Here, we will see
primarily three levels in the data flow diagram, which are: 0-level DFD, 1-level DFD,
and 2-level DFD.

0-level DFDM

It is also known as fundamental system model, or context diagram represents the entire
software requirement as a single bubble with input and output data denoted by incoming
and outgoing arrows. Then the system is decomposed and described as a DFD with
multiple bubbles. Parts of the system represented by each of these bubbles are then
decomposed and documented as more and more detailed DFDs. This process may be
repeated at as many levels as necessary until the program at hand is well understood. It
is essential to preserve the number of inputs and outputs between levels, this concept is
called leveling by DeMacro. Thus, if bubble "A" has two inputs x1 and x2 and one
output y, then the expanded DFD, that represents "A" should have exactly two external
inputs and one external output as shown in fig:

The Level-0 DFD, also called context diagram of the result management system is
shown in fig. As the bubbles are decomposed into less and less abstract bubbles, the
corresponding data flow may also be needed to be decomposed.

1-level DFD

In 1-level DFD, a context diagram is decomposed into multiple bubbles/processes. In

this level, we highlight the main objectives of the system and breakdown the high-level
process of 0-level DFD into sub processes.

2-Level DFD

2-level DFD goes one process deeper into parts of 1-level DFD. It can be used to project or
record the specific/necessary detail about the system's functioning.
 • Procedure / Steps:

The data flow diagram is a hierarchy of diagram consist of:

• Context Diagram (conceptually level zero)

• The Level-1 DFD
• And possible Level-2 DFD and further levels of functional decomposition
depending on the complexity of your system.

Context DFD

The figure below depicts a context DFD for the "Collabe Hub" which is designed to manage
events. It provides a simplified overview of the system's interactions with external entities.

Level 1 DFD

The figure below shows the level 1 DFD, which is the decomposition (i.e. break down) of the Collabe Hub
process that is shown in the context DFD. Read through the diagram and then we will introduce some of the
key concepts based on this diagram.
Quiz:

1) Draw the Data Flow Diagram for Hotel Management System.

ANS:
 2) What is DFD? Give advantage and disadvantages of DFD.

ANS: DFD stands for "Data Flow Diagram." It is a visual representation and modeling
technique used in software engineering and systems analysis to depict the flow of data within
a system.

Advantages Disadvantages

Clarity: Offers a clear visual representation of Oversimplification: May oversimplify

data flow within a system. complex systems.

Communication: Effective tool for conveying Lack of Timing Information: Does not
system processes to stakeholders. represent timing or sequence of activities.

Focus on Data: Emphasizes data handling, Limited to Data Flow: Focuses solely on data
aiding in efficient data management. flow, omitting other system aspects.

Hierarchical Structure: Allows step-by-step Interpretation Dependency: Interpretation

elaboration of system processes variations can lead to misunderstandings.

3) Types and Components of Data Flow Diagram (DFD)

ANS: Types of Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs):

• Context Diagram (Level 0 DFD)

• Level 1 DFD

• Child Diagrams (Level 2, Level 3, etc.)

Components of Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs):

• Processes

• Data Flows

• Data Stores

• External Entities

• Data Flow Labels

Suggested Reference:

1) NPTEL course material - System Analysis and Design

2) Booch, G. et al. The Unified Modeling Language User Guide. Chapters 15, 18, 27.
Addison-Wesley.
3) Jacobson, I. et al. Object-Oriented Software Engineering: A Use-Case Driven Approach.
Addison-Wesley.
4) Fowler, M. UML Distilled: A Brief Guide to the Standard Object Modelling Language.
Chapter 5. Addison Wesley.

Rubric wise marks obtained:

Rubrics 1 2 3 4 5 Total

Marks Complete Complete Complete Complete Complete

implementation implementation implementation implementation implementation
as asked as asked as asked as asked as asked

Problem analysis Problem analysis Problem analysis Problem analysis

Development of Development of Development of

the Solution the Solution the Solution

Concept Clarity Concept Clarity

& understanding & understanding

Correct answer to
all questions

Signature of Faculty: