Data Flow Sequences: A Revision of Data Flow Diagrams for Modelling Applications using XML

Abstract

Data Flow Diagrams were developed in the 1970’s as a method of modelling data flow when developing information systems. While DFDs are still being used, the modern web-based which is client-server based means that DFDs are not as useful. This paper proposes a modified form of DFD that incorporates, amongst other features sequences. The proposed system, called Data Flow Sequences (DFS) is better able to model real world systems in a way that simplifies application development. The paper also proposes an XML implementation for DFS which allows analytical tools to be used to analyse the DFS diagrams. The paper discusses a tool that is able to detect orphan data flow sequences and other potential problems.