Gagnaflæðikerfi

Gagnaflæðikerfi, or data flow diagrams (DFDs), are visual representations used in software engineering and systems analysis to model the flow of data within a system. They are a key component of structured analysis and design methodology (SADT) and are used to illustrate the flow of data from one process to another within a system. DFDs are typically created during the early stages of system development and are used to communicate the system's requirements and design to stakeholders.

A DFD consists of four main components: processes, data stores, data flows, and external entities. Processes are represented by circles and perform transformations on data. Data stores, represented by open-ended rectangles, store data for later use. Data flows, depicted as arrows, show the movement of data between processes and data stores. External entities, shown as rectangles, represent entities outside the system that interact with it.

DFDs can be created at different levels of abstraction, with higher-level diagrams providing an overview of the system and lower-level diagrams detailing specific processes. This hierarchical approach allows for a clear and organized representation of complex systems. DFDs are valuable tools for understanding system requirements, identifying potential bottlenecks, and communicating system design to various stakeholders. They are widely used in various industries, including finance, healthcare, and manufacturing, to model and analyze data flow within systems.