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Flowcharts and data flow diagrams (DFDs) are tools used to represent systems and processes. A flowchart uses symbols and arrows to show the logical flow and steps of a process. A DFD graphically shows how data moves through a system by external entities, data stores, processes, and data flows. Decision tables and trees also represent conditional logic through yes/no rules and branches to show different outcomes.

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327 views

Design Tools

Flowcharts and data flow diagrams (DFDs) are tools used to represent systems and processes. A flowchart uses symbols and arrows to show the logical flow and steps of a process. A DFD graphically shows how data moves through a system by external entities, data stores, processes, and data flows. Decision tables and trees also represent conditional logic through yes/no rules and branches to show different outcomes.

Uploaded by

simply_coool
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Systems Design Tools

Flowcharts
The pictorial representation of the programs or the
algorithm is known as flowcharts. It is nothing but a
diagrammatic representation of the various steps
involved in designing a system. Some of the boxes
which are used in flowcharts are:
A flowchart consists of a set of ‘flowchart symbols’
connected by arrows. Each symbol contains
information about what must be done at that point &
the arrow shows the ‘flow of execution’ of the
algorithm i.e. they show the order in which the
instructions must be executed. The purpose of using
flowcharts is to graphically present the logical flow of
data in the system and defining major phases of
processing along with the various media to be used.

Flowcharts are of following types:

 System flowcharts
 DFD
System Flowcharts
System flowchart describes the data flow for a data
processing system. It provides a logical diagram of
how the system operates. It represents the flow of
documents, the operations performed in data
processing system. It also reflects the relationship
between inputs, processing and outputs. Following
are the features of system flowcharts:

 the sources from which data is generated and device used


for this purpose
 various processing steps involved
 the intermediate and final output prepared and the devices
used for their storage
Data Flow Diagrams
Data flow diagrams are the most commonly used way
of documenting the process of current & required
systems. As their name suggests they are a pictorial
way of showing the flow of data into, around & out of
a system.

Defining DFD
Graphical representation of a system’s data and how
the processes transform the data is known as Data
Flow Diagram (or DFD). Unlike, flowcharts, DFDs do
not give detailed descriptions of modules but
graphically describe a system’s data and how the
data interact with the system.
Components of DFD
 DFDs are constructed using four major components
 External Entries

 Data Stores

 Processes and

 Data Flows

(i) External Entities


External entities represent the source of data as input to the system.
They are also the destination of system data. External entities can
be called data stores out side the system. These are represented
by squares.

(ii) Data Stores


Data stores represent stores of data within the system. Examples,
computer files or databases. An open-ended box represents a
data/store – data at rest or a temporary repository of data.
Components of DFD
(iii) Process
Process represents activities in which data is manipulated by being
stored or retrieved or transferred in some way. In other words we
can say that process transforms the input data into output data.
Circles stand for a process that converts data into information.

(iv) Data Flows


Data flows represents the movement of data from one component
to the other. An arrow identifies data flow – data in motion. It is a
pipeline through which information flows... Data flows are
generally shown as one-way only. Data Flows between external
entities are shown as dotted lines.
Decision Tables

The decision table is a chart with four sections listing all


the logical conditions and actions. In addition the top
section allows space for title, date, author, system
and comment
Explaining Decision Tables

The condition stub contains a list of all the necessary


tests in a decision table. In the lower left-hand
corner of the decision table we find the action stub
where one may note all the processes desired in a
given module. Thus Action Stub contains a list of
all the processes involved in a decision table. The
upper right corner provides the space for the
condition entry - all possible permutations of yes
and no responses related to the condition stub. The
yes and no possibilities are arranged as a vertical
column called rules.
Example
If order is from book store And if order is for 6 copies
Then discount is 25%
Else (if order is for less then 6 copies)
No discount is allowed
Else (if order is from libraries)
If order is for 50 copies or more
Then discount is 15%
Else if order is for 20 to 49 copies
Then discount is 10%
Else if order is for 6 to 19 copies
Then discount is 5%
Else (order is for less then 6 copies)
No discount is allowed
Decision Tree

The decision tree defines the conditions as a


sequence of left to right tests. A decision tree
helps to show the paths that are possible in a
design following an action or decision by the
user. Decision tree turns a decision table into
a diagram. This tool is read from left to right,
decision results in a fork, and all branches
end with an outcome

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