SE Exp 3 SLS
SE Exp 3 SLS
Experiment : To perform the function oriented diagram: Data Flow Diagram (DFD)
Practical 3
To perform the function-oriented diagram: Data Flow Diagram
Objective(s):
To create a function-oriented diagram, specifically a Data Flow Diagram (DFD)
Simple Visual Representation: DFDs use symbols like circles, arrows, and rectangles
to clearly represent data flow, simplifying complex systems.
Useful for System Analysis: DFDs are commonly employed during the early stages of
system analysis to specify system requirements and design.
Abstract View: They offer a high-level understanding of how data moves through the
system, without focusing on technical or implementation details.
Hierarchical Structure: DFDs are organized in levels, where the 0-level diagram
provides a general overview, and the 1-level and 2-level diagrams offer more detailed
views.
Data Flow Representation: Arrows are used to show how data travels between
processes, external entities, and data stores.
Easy Comprehension: DFDs are easy to interpret, making them valuable for
communicating system functionality to stakeholders who may not have technical
expertise.
Modular Design: By breaking down complex systems into smaller components, DFDs
allow for a more manageable analysis and design.
1. Logical DFD: This diagram focuses on what the system does, emphasizing the flow of
data between processes without getting into the details of how the system is
implemented.
2. Physical DFD: This version of the DFD illustrates how the system is physically
implemented, including technical components such as hardware, databases, and files. It
helps to understand the system's actual data processing flow.
DFD Components
2. Data Flow: Arrows indicate the movement of data between processes, data stores, and
external entities. The data flow should be labeled to specify the type of data being
transferred.
3. Data Store: Depicted by two parallel lines, a data store represents where data is kept
for future use or retrieval.
4. External Entities (Terminators): Rectangles represent entities outside the system that
interact with it, such as other systems, organizations, or individuals that exchange data
with the system.
DFD Levels
0-Level DFD:
The 0-level DFD, or context diagram, provides a top-level view of the system as a single
process. For Amazon, this would show the system interacting with external entities such
as customers management, payment management, order management, login management
etc.
1-Level DFD:
At this level, the system is broken down into more detailed sub-processes. For Amazon,
these could include processes like product browsing, order management, payment
processing, and shipment tracking.
2-Level DFD:
The 2-level DFD provides an even deeper breakdown of processes. For example,
Amazon’s "Order Tracking" process could be split into smaller tasks such as check out,
Delivery Date, and ordering details.