Chapter 10Analyzing SystemsUsing Data Dictionaries.ppt

Chapter 10Analyzing SystemsUsing Data Dictionaries Systems Analysis and Design Kendall and Kendall Fifth Edition Major Topics Data dictionary concepts Defining data flow Defining data structures Defining elements Defining data stores Using the data dictionary Data dictionary analysis Data Dictionary Data dictionary is a main method for analyzing the data flows and data stores of data-oriented systems The data dictionary is a reference work of data about data metadata It collects, coordinates, and confirms what a specific data term means to different people in the organization Reasons for Using a Data Dictionary The data dictionary may be used for the following reasons: Provide documentation Eliminate redundancy Validate the data flow diagram Provide a starting point for developing screens and reports To develop the logic for DFD processes The Repository A data repository is a large collection of project information It includes Information about system data Procedural logic Screen and report design Relationships between entries Project requirements and deliverables Project management information Data Dictionary Contents Data dictionaries contain Data flow Data structures Elements Data stores Defining Data Flow Each data flow should be defined with descriptive information and its composite structure or elements Include the following information: ID - identification number Label, the text that should appear on the diagram A general description of the data flow Defining Data Flow Continued The source of the data flow This could be an external entity, a process, or a data flow coming from a data store The destination of the data flow Type of data flow, either A record entering or leaving a file Containing a report, form, or screen Internal - used between processes Defining Data Flow Continued The name of the data structure or elements The volume per unit time This could be records per day or any other unit of time An area for further comments and notation