Swinburne University Student Help Sheet 8 - Data Flow

Diagrams (DFD)
A DFD is a Data Flow Diagram is a diagram that shows the flow of data through an information system modelling its process aspects. This diagram shows what kinds of information will be input to and output from the system, where the data will come from and go to, and where the data will be stored. It doesnt show the timing of the processes. For this subject we will be using the Gane and Sarson Notation.

Context Diagram: This diagram shows only external entities and data flows to and from the system. No Data stores are show at this level. Level 0 Diagram: This diagram drills down into the first level of the choose process. It shows process, but keep them general. It also shows external entities and data stores at this level. Level 1 Diagram: The level 1 diagram is created for each process shown in the Level 0 Diagram. In this diagram no external entities are shown. Labelling Data Flows: When labelling data flows you should be succinct with the descriptions. One or two words will usually do. Also you should have one piece of data per data flow.