TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Data Flow Diagrams vs Use Cases From:"Anthony Markatos" <tonymar -at- hotmail -dot- com> To:chris -at- bdk -dot- net, techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com Date:Thu, 20 Jan 2000 08:29:03 PST
Chris:
I have not read that book, however most of the James Martin series books are
well written.
FYI: My all time favorite quote: "It is only by following the flow of data
[using Data Flow Diagrams] that it is possible to understand the underlying
logic of a system." Tom DeMarco, 'Structured Systems Analysis and
Specifications'.
That statement is a true today as it was 25 years ago (when DeMarco wrote
the book.) Many believe that DFDs are "cave-man-like" tools. A current
rave (for task/function analysis) in the OO culture is Use Cases. But Use
Cases are just stripped-down Data Flow Diagrams. Indeed, the primary input
used to create a currently very popular book on Use Cases (Larry
Constantine's 'Essential Use Cases') was a book on creating essential Data
Flow Diagrams (called 'Essential Systems Analysis' - I forgot the two
author's names).
Use Cases are merely DFDs with the interfacing data flows removed.
Original Question:
I don't know what Mr. Markatos thinks of this author, but I found
James Martin, Recommended Diagramming Standards for Analysts and
Programmers: A Basis for Automation (Prentice-Hall, 1987) to be a very
informative resource.
Chris Kowalchuk
______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com