|
Term |
Definition |
|
DFD - Data Flow Diagram |
The DFD is a diagram that shows how the data manipulated by a system flows
through the various processes. You'll see one of several types of symbols
in a DFD... a process, a data store, or an external
entity. These symbols are connected by arrowed lines showing how the
data moves from a data store or external entity, through a process, and
back to a data store or external entity. NOTE: A DFD is not a flow chart! A flow
chart actually describes a process, whereas in a DFD the entire process is
simply denoted by a symbol. Here's an example DFD from Microsoft. |
|
ERD - Entity Relationship Diagram |
An Entity Relationship Diagram shows the various data tables and
interfaces in a system, and how they are connected together. The
"entities" are database tables (usually represented by blocks), and the
relationships are denoted by lines connecting the entities. If you've ever
used Access or Visual FoxPro and you've seen the table relationship
diagrams, those are simplified ERDs. Special symbols are used in the
connecting lines so that you know not only that two tables are related,
but how they're related. Look at this explanation from www.whatis.com for a more complete description. |
|
Functional Specification |
Same as Functional System Design (FSD) |
|
FSD - Functional System Design |
This is the "floorplan" of a system... it describes the following in
high-level terms:
-
The major data sources and interfaces of
the system.
-
The major functions of the system.
-
The interrelationships of these functions
and data sources.
-
The architecture to be used (platform, languages, etc).
|
|
MDD - Module Design Document |
A technical design documnet for a specific module. This is a very
low-level specification. |
|
PLC - Project Life Cycle |
see SDM. |
|
SDM - System (or Standard) Development Methodology |
Basically, you have been reading this System Development Methodology. An SDM is a standardized method of managing system development that consists of procedures, a document framework, and coding standards. An SDM provides a consistent set of guidelines so that less of your time is spent on process and more on execution. |
|
Technical Specification |
Same as Technical System Design (TSD) |
|
TSD - Technical System Design |
The TSD is the low-level specification for an overall system. Properly,
it consists of two parts: The TSD document itself, which specifies the
overall framework of the system, and multiple MDD documents, which detail
the specifications for individual modules. |
|
UML - Unified Modeling Language |
UML describes a flexible diagramming convention
created by Grady Booch, Ivar Jacobson, and Jim Rumbaugh. The specification itself
is owned and managed by the Object
Management Group. Read this brief overview from the OMG. |
