Flow-oriented Modeling

Updated 22 Jul 2026

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def
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  an analysis modeling approach that represents how information is transformed as it flows through a system
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elements
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  data flow diagram (Data Flow Diagram (DFD)) — shows information transformation across processes
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purpose
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  models both the information domain and functional domain simultaneously
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  enables functional decomposition of the system
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notation
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  rectangle — external entity (software, hardware, a person)
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  circle/bubble — a process or transform applied to data
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  arrow — data flow (labeled with data item names)
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  double line — a data store (stored information used by the software)
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related

Linked references 3