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CHAPTER 8

Analyzing Systems Using

Data Dictionaries

Learning Objectives
Once you have mastered the material in this chapter you will be able to:
1. Understand how analysts use data dictionaries for analyzing data-oriented systems.

2. Understand the concept of a repository for analysts’ project information and the role of
CASE tools in creating them.
3. Create data dictionary entries for data processes, stores, flows, structures, and logical and
physical elements of the systems being studied, based on DFDs.
4. Recognize the functions of data dictionaries in helping users update and maintain infor-
mation systems.

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When successive levels of data flow diagrams are complete, systems
analysts use them to help catalog the data processes, flows, stores,
structures, and elements in a data dictionary. Of particular importance
are the names used to characterize data items. When given an oppor-
tunity to name components of data-oriented systems, a systems analyst
needs to work at making names meaningful but exclusive of other exist-
ing data component names. This chapter covers the data dictionary,
which is another tool that aids in the analysis of data-oriented systems.

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