Software Engineering Lab

EXPERIMENT NO:- 4

Title: - Structured data flow analysis.

Theory: -

Data Flow Diagram (DFD):

The DFD (also known as a bubble chart) is a hierarchical graphical
model of a system that shows the different processing activities or functions that
the system performs and the data interchange among these functions. Each
function is considered as a processing station (or process) that consumes some
input data and produces some output data. The system is represented in terms of
the input data to the system, various processing carried out on these data, and the
output data generated by the system. A DFD model uses a very limited number of
primitive symbols to represent the functions performed by a system and the data
flow among this function.

Symbols used for designing (DFD):

The two main types of notations used for data flow diagrams are
Yourdon-Coad and Gane-Sarson, both named after their creators, all experts who
helped develop DFD methodology: Ed Yourdon, Peter Coad, Chris Gane and Trish
Sarson. There are some differences in style between the notation types. For
example, Yourdon and Coad notation uses circles to represent processes, whereas
Gane and Sarson notation use rectangles with rounded corners. Another variation
is the symbol used for data stores—Yourdon and Coad use parallel lines while
Gane and Sarson notation uses an open-ended rectangle. Because DFD symbols
vary, it’s important to be consistent with whatever notation you choose to avoid
confusion. If you’re using DFD software, it will likely dictate which set of symbols
are available to use.

All data flow diagrams include four main elements: entity, process, data store and
data flow.

Department of Computer Engineering Page 1

 Software Engineering Lab

External Entity – Also known as actors, sources or sinks, and terminators,

external entities produce and consume data that flows between the entity and the
system being diagrammed. These data flows are the inputs and outputs of the
DFD. Since they are external to the system being analysed, these entities are
typically placed at the boundaries of the diagram. They can represent another
system or indicate a subsystem.
Process – An activity that changes or transforms data flows. Since they transform
incoming data to outgoing data, all processes must have inputs and outputs on a
DFD. This symbol is given a simple name based on its function, such as “Ship
Order,” rather than being labelled “process” on a diagram. In GaneSarson
notation, a rectangular box is used and may be labelled with a reference number,
location of where in the system the process occurs and a short title that describes
its function. Processes are typically oriented from top to bottom and left to right
on a data flow diagram.

Data Store – A data store does not generate any operations but simply holds data
for later access. Data stores could consist of files held long term or a batch of
documents stored briefly while they wait to be processed. Input flows to a data
store include information or operations that change the stored data. Output flows
would be data retrieved from the store.

Data Flow – Movement of data between external entities, processes and data
stores is represented with an arrow symbol, which indicates the direction of flow.
This data could be electronic, written or verbal. Input and output data flows are
labelled based on the type of data or its associated process or data store, and this
name is written alongside the arrow.

Department of Computer Engineering Page 2

 Software Engineering Lab

Importance of DFDs in a good software:

The main reason why the DFD technique is so popular is
probably because DFD is a very simple formalism – it is simple to understand and
use. Starting with a set of high-level functions that a system performs, a DFD
model hierarchically represents various sub functions. In fact, any hierarchical
model is simple to understand. Human mind is such that it can easily understand
any hierarchical model of a system – because in a hierarchical model, starting with
a very simple and abstract model of a system, different details of the system are
slowly introduced through different hierarchies. The data flow diagramming
technique also follows a very simple set of intuitive concepts and rules. DFD is an
elegant modelling technique that turns out to be useful not only to represent the
results of structured analysis of a software problem, but also for several other
applications such as showing the flow of documents or items in an organization.

Implementation: -

Department of Computer Engineering Page 3

 Software Engineering Lab

Data Flow Diagram (DFD) for Hotel Management System:

Zero Level Data Flow Diagram (0 Level DFD) :

This is the Zero Level DFD of Hotel Room Booking System, where we have
elaborated the high level process of Hotel Room. It's a basic overview of the whole
Hotel Room Booking System or process being analyzed or modeled. It's designed
to be an at-a-glance view of Payment Customer and Hotel Employee showing the
system as a single high-level process, with its relationship to external entities of
Hotel, Room Facility and Room Category. It should be easily understood by a wide
audience, including Hotel Room Category and Payment In zero level DFD of Hotel
Room Booking System, we have described the high level flow of the Hotel Room
system.

Level 1 DFD for Hotel Management System

To expand the idea of the context diagram, DFD level 1 is the answer. The DFD level 1 is the
expanded view of the former level which highlights its sub-processes.

Department of Computer Engineering Page 4

 Software Engineering Lab

 Customer Information Management – is an information system where the

customer’s data is validated and used as a basis for other processes just like a
reservation.
 Assigning Rooms and Facilities – this process may vary according to the request of
certain customers. Its assignments are based on the orders of clients and guests
(customers).
 Reservation Management – are available in the system and are offered to customers
online. This business process is one of the core functions of the project.
 Employees Management – is the process used by the admin to designate their
employees in different departments. This process gathers the employee information
and monitors their workloads and performances.

Department of Computer Engineering Page 5

 Software Engineering Lab

Level 2 DFD for Hotel Management System

While the former levels focus on processes, DFD level 2 gives more attention to the other
aspects of the project. Example:

This level shows more emphasis on the system’s databases (data stores). The databases are as
follows:

 Customer
 Reservation
 Employees
 Facilities or Rooms
The processed inputs are stored in these databases and are used to produce outputs.

You may learn more about the system’s databases through the ER Diagram for Hotel
Management System.

Department of Computer Engineering Page 6

 Software Engineering Lab

Conclusion:
Thus, we have successfully studied about Data flow diagram.

Department of Computer Engineering Page 7