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Design is an ongoing process but its nature changes as the development process
proceeds. Thus design is needed to define the concept. Then during specification,
the new system and its requirements are designed. In system design , we design
the best computer structures, the programs and so on.
System Design, Uncategorized
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Design Objectives
DESIGN OBJECTIVES
The various desirable properties of system design are :
Correctness : The design of a system is correct if a system is built precisely
according to the design and satisfies the requirements of that system. The
goal during the design phase is to produce correct designs and to find the
best possible design within the limitations imposed by the requirements and
the physical and social environment in which the system will operate.
Verifiability : Design should be correct and it should be verifies for
correctness. Verifiability is concerned with how easily the correctness of the
design can be Various verification techniques should be easily applied to
design.
Completeness : Completeness requires that all the different components of
the design should be verified i.e. all the relevant data structure, modules;
external interfaces and module interconnections are specified.
Traceabilty : Traceability is an important property that can get design It
requires that the entire design element must be traceable to the
requirements.
Efficiency : Efficiency of any system is concerned with the proper use of
scarce resources by the system. The need for efficiency arises due to cost . If
some resources are scarce and expensive, it is desirable that those
resources be used efficiently.
Simplicity : Simplicity is the most important quality criteria for software
Maintenance of software system is usually quite expensive. The design of the
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modifies the software package that accepts input from the users, performs the
necessary calculations through the existing files or databases, produces the
report on a hard copy or displays it on screen.
Physical system design consists of following steps :
1. Design the physical systemSpecify input/output media.
Design the database and specify backup procedures.
Design physical information flow through the system and physical design
2. Plan System implementationPrepare a target date and a conversion schedule.
Determine training procedure, courses and time tables.
3. Specify any new hardware/software.
4. Update benefits, costs, conversion date and system constraints (legal,
financial, hardware etc.)
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given as to who will use the output and for what purpose. All these points must be
kept in mind while designing output so that the objectives of the systems are met
in the best possible way.
One way to classify output is according to their distribution inside or outside the
organization and the people who read and use them.
Internal outputs are intended for the system owners and system users within an
organization. Internal outputs support either day-to-day business operations or
management monitoring and decision-making.
The three basic subclasses of internal outputs are as follows :
Detailed reports present information with little or no filtering or restrictions.
Example of detailed reports would be a detailed listing of all customer
accounts, orders, or products in inventory. Some detailed reports are
historical and others are regulatory, that is, required by government.
Summary reports categorize information for managers who do not want to
wade through details. The data for summary reports is typically categorized
and summarized to indicate trends and potential problems.
Exception reports filter data before it is presented to the managers as
Exception reports include only exceptions to some condition or standard.
Example of an exception report is a report that identifies items that are low
in stock.
External Outputs are intended for customer, suppliers, partners, and regulatory
agencies. They usually conclude or report on business transactions. Examples of
external outputs are invoices, account statements, paychecks, course schedule,
airline tickets, boarding passes, telephone bills, and purchase orders.
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4. The computer output must be acceptable to the system users who will
receive them : An output design may contain the required information and
still not be acceptable to the system user.
5. Quality : This relates to the contents, appearance and accuracy of the
output. Outputs generated for external users should be given special
attention in respect of its getup, quality of paper etc.
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files in a logical manner. The designer will have to devise the techniques of
storing and retrieving data from these files.
Procedure Design : This involves specifications of how processing will be
performed e., what functions will be carried out on computer, what will be
the different programs and a what sequence the programs will be run.
(v) Control Design : The control design indicates necessary procedure which will
ensure correctness of processing, accuracy of data, timely output etc. This will
ensure that a system is functioning as per plan.
Design of Software
The principles should guide software design.
1. Modularity and Partitioning : Each system should consist of a hierarchy of
Lower-level modules are generally smaller in scope and size compared to
higher-level modules and serve to partition processes into separate
functions.
2. Coupling : Coupling refers to the strength of the relationship between
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modules in a system.
Good designers seek to develop the structure of a system so that one module has
little dependence on any other module. Loose coupling minimizes the
interdependence between modules. We can achieve this in the following ways :
Control the number of parameters passed between modules.
Avoid passing un-necessary data to called modules.
Pass data only when needed.
Maintain superior/subordinate relationship between calling and called
modules.
Pass data, not control information.
The objective is to maximize independence between modules by minimizing
coupling (reduce module coupling).
3. Cohesion : Modules should carry out a single processing function. In
cohesive systems, the contents of the. module are so designed that they
perform a specific function and are more easily understood by people than
system designed by other methods.
The objective is to maximize cohesion, Highly related elements should be in the
same module.
4. Span of Control : Span of Control refers to the number of subordinate
modules controlled by a calling module. In general, we should seek to have
no more than five to seven subordinate modules.
Excessive span of control, meaning a high number of subordinate modules,
creates considerable overheads in determining which module to invoke under
certain conditions and in establishing calling sequences to pass data and receive
results:
5. Module Size : The number of instructions contained in a module should be
limited so that module size is generally small.
In general, we should seek designs in which the modules forces on a single
purpose, are highly cohesive, and are loosely coupled.
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6. Shared Modules : Shared use results from the desire to have a certain
function, calculation, or type of precessing performed in one place in a system.
Sharing modules minimize the amount of software that must be designed and
written. It minimizes the number of changes that must be made during system
maintenance.
Constraints
The designer normally will work under following constraints.
1. Hardware : The existing hardware will affect system design.
2. Software : The available software (operating system, utilities, Language etc.)
in the market will constrain the design.
3. Budget : The budget allocated for the project will affect the scope and depth
of
Software Design and Documentation Tools
Well designed, modular software is more likely to meet the maintenance, reliability
and testing requirement. One of the tool is structured flowchart.
Structural Flowchart : Structured flowcharts, also called Nassi-Schnciderman
charts, are graphic tools that force the designer to structure software in modular
as well as top-down form. They provide a proper structure that can be retained by
the programmer for developing the application software.
The programmer should be expert in using the structured flowcharts.
The basic elements used in developing structured flowcharts are :
Process
Decision
Interaction
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4. Confirm an action.
Types of Output
Whether the output is a formatted report or a simple listing of the contents of a
file, a computer process will produce the output.
System output may be :
1. A report
2. A document
3. A message
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Presentation of Output
PRESENTATION OF OUTPUT
There are many ways to present information in computer output.
1. Tabular Format
End-users are more accustomed to receiving information in tabular format.
Common examples of tabular reports are inventory control, accounts payable,
general ledger, sales analysis, and production scheduling reports.
The tabular format should be used under the following conditions :
Details dominate and few narrative comments or explanations are needed.
Details are .presented in discrete categories.
Each category must be labelled.
Totals must be drawn or comparisons made between components.
The first concern in designing output should be to ensure that un-necessary
details. are avoided. Next, should be to select features that will further enhance
reliability.
2. Graphic Format
Graphic systems are available across a wide range of prices and capabilities and
foi personal computers up to mainframes.
Graphics are used for several reasons :
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Inaccurate input data are the most common cause of errors in data processing.
Errors entered by data entry operators can be controlled by input design. Input
data are collected and organized into groups of similar data. Once identified,
appropriate input media are selected for processing.
(a) Input Data : The goal of designing input data is to make data entry an easy,
logical and error free from errors as far as possible. In entering data, operators
need to know the following :
The allocated space for each field.
Field sequence, which must match that in the source document.
The format in which data fields are entered; for example, filling out the data
field is required through the edited format mm/dd/yy.
(b) Source Documents : Source data are captured initially on original paper or a
source document. Source documents initiate a processing cycle as soon as they
are entered into the system. Source documents may be entered into the system
from punch cards, from diskettes, or even directly through the keyboard. A source
document may or may not be retained in the proposed system. Thus, each source
document may be evaluated in terms of :
its continued use in the proposed system,
the extent of modification for the proposed system and
replacement by an alternative source document.
A source document should be logical and easy to understand. Each are in the
form should be clearly identified and should specify for the user what to write and
where to write it.
Input Media and Devices
Some data are input into the system in a variety of ways. The following media and
devices are suitable for operations :
Punch cards are either 80 or 96 columns wide. Data are arranged in a
sequential and logical order. Operators use a keypunch to copy data from
source documents onto cards. This means that the source documents onto
cards. This means that the source document and card design must be
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considered simultaneously.
Key-to-diskette is modelled after the keypunch process data on diskettes are
stored in sequence and in batches. The approach to source document and
diskette design is similar to that of the punch card. Data must be in
sequence and logically cohesive.
MICR translates the special fonts printed in magnetic ink on checks into
direct computer input.
Mark-sensing readers automatically converts pencil marks in predetermined
locations on a card to punched holes on the same card.
Optical character recognition (OCR) readers are similar to MICR readers,
except that they recognize pencil, ink or characters by their configuration
(shape) rather than their magnetic pattern. They are often used in remote
locations as free-standing input preparation devices or direct input media to
the system.
Optical bar code readers detect combination of marks that represent The
most widely known system is the Universal Product Code (UPC), which codes
retail items in stores. Automatic tag reading is the ideal way to collect unit
inventory information fast, accurately and economically.
Cathode-ray tube (CRT) screens are used for on-line data entry. CRT screen
generally display 80 characters simultaneously on a television-like screen.
They show as many as 24 lines of data.
In addition to determining record media, the analyst must decide on the method
of input and the speed of capturing and entering the data into the system.
Processing may be batched (a group of records handled as a unit), on-line
(records processed directly), sequential (sorted records), or random (unsorted).
For example, magnetic tape may be suitable for batch sequential processing,
whereas diskettes are ideal for on line processing and random enquiries.
Input Design Guidelines
The design of input play very significant role in getting the correct output. In
covers all phases of input from creation of initial data (original recording) to actual
entering the data to the system for processing. The input design is the link that
ties the information system into the world of its users.
The Objectives of input design are as follows :
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When the volume cannot be reduced, the analyst must be sure that the process is
efficient. The experienced analyst will also avoid input designs that cause extra
steps. So is the addition of a single step.
(e) Keeping the Process Simple : The best-designed system suits the people who
will use it in the way that is comfortable for them, and at the same time it
provides the error control methods, management acceptable to the users. In
contrast, one will have to work to get users to accept complex or confusing input
designs, and there is no guarantee he will succeed in installing and running
complex system. So it is advisable to avoid complexity when there are simple
alternatives.
(I) Major Concerns Regarding Input : Important points to be considered here are
as follows :
What input is needed ?
How and where is the input created ?
What format should be used for the input records ?
What medium should be used for recording the input ?
We will discuss each of the major input concerns briefly which are as follows :
The Inputs Needed
The input needed for any program is determined by the output desired. The
analyst must ask the following questions. What information is already in the
master file or database ? What constant data is required that can be entered from
some type of control record ? What information must be supplied by using some
type of transaction file ? What data should be stored in and accessed from tables ?
What information can be calculated by the program ?
Any time the use of a transaction file is being considered, or the data is to be
entered from a terminal, the analyst must check each field to determine whether
the data is already in a master file or might be included in a table. The analyst
must be concerned that all the data required to produce that output is entered
into the program in the most efficient and most-effective manner.
How and where data is generated
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How the data is generated, and where it is generated, has a direct impact. The
analyst should attempt to provide a reliable means of entering data directly into
the system. Data collection devices or special terminals can be used to enter
some of the data.
In a retail sales system, a type of scanner deviceBar Code Readers may be used
to read price tickets. When large sales are made, special readers are available that
make it possible to use the data stored on the customers charge card. Whenever
possible, the manual keeping of data should be eliminated. In a retail sales
application, the only variable data that a clerk might need to key in on a Point of
Sale (POS) Terminal having special key for various item categories is the quantity
of a given item that is purchased.
Railways Reservation System presents an input screen simply on entering the
Train code, Travel Class and Date of travel wherein if reservation is asked, the clerk
has to enter passengers details almost in same way as given by him in the
reservation slip.
Designing the source documents and the Input Format
The forms for the input records and the source documents should be determined
simultaneously.
The source document can be designed as soon as it is determined what data is
needed and where and how it is to be entered into the system. The design of the
documents should permit the personnel recording the data to do so as easily and
rapidly as possible. Check boxes can be used. Which reduce the time needed to fill
out documents and minimize recording errors. Take the case of Electricity bills. It
has two parts. The first is called MAIN on which cash/cheque receiving clerk
enters the amount received with details including the date and hands over to the
customer as a payment made by him. The second is called STUB which are
bundled together on day end and sent to Computercentre for data updating of
payments received from the customers for future accounting for case in
transcribing data into a machine-processable form, the locations for each field
with the record should be specified on the documents. Identical design of source
document and related Data Entry Input screen facilitates Data Entry Operators to
enter data at high speed since locations of data to be read are easily identified.
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The input record should be designed so that the flow of data on it is the same as
on the source document. This decreases the time needed to record data and also
reduces errors. The input format must be designed concurrently with the source
document. The factors that must be considered are record length, field size, use
of codes, and the relationship of the source document to the input record. When
a terminal is used to make the changes or to add new customers to the file, a
formatted screen should be designed that looks very much like the source
document.
The analyst must understand the characteristics of the data entering the system
and determine the field size that should be used. For example, if each customer is
assigned a number and the firm now has 994 customers, the analyst should allow
four positions for the field. If four positions are not reserved for the field, as soon
as more records are added, the field will not be large enough to handle the
account number. Field sizes are usually determined by studying historical data,
projecting future needs, and providing for growth.
Input Medium
An input method that requires a minimal amount of data conversion should be
selected. If punched-card recorders (keypunches), diskette recorders, key-to-key
tape recorders, or terminals are used, the data is usually recorded on a source
document and then transferred to the machine-processable medium (cards,
diskettes, tape, disk, or directly into a transaction file). In case of process control,
however, these media based programs directly control the target machines.
Input Verification and Control
If incorrect data enters the system, it is usually very costly to make the necessary
corrections.
There are many methods which are commonly used to verity data entering the
system as input. Some of the them are :
Key Verification : A second operator rekeys the data already recorded. This
method is used for verifying data recorded in punched cards or on diskettes
and magnetic Then two floppies are compared to correct record by record
which mismatched during comparison after verifying from the original
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edited to make sure that only the right type of data is recorded in each field.
Verification that certain combinations of data exist
For example, all students may be coded with either a W or a V. The V denotes a
non-work-study student while the W indicates that the student is on work-study.
The only valid account numbers for a work-study student are 2155 and 2156. Any
other account number for a W-coded student is invalid.
Sequence Check : If the numbers in the source documents are serial and the
documents are in order, the input records will also be in numerical
sequence. A check can be made by the program to determine whether the
records are in either ascending or descending order.
How to Layout Terminal Screen
Software is available that makes it easy to layout screens. The programmer keys in
the required format on the screen, gives the format a name and then stores the
format in a file. Whenever the format is to be used as a display in a program, it can
be called into the program by using its. name A programmer can also create
display screens within a program.
Designing of CRT-Input Display Screen : Special considerations are needed
for input designs in on-line environments. The analyst must design CRT
screens that tell the user what to do and what steps to take next that is easy
to understand. Menus are often used to present options to users and data
fields are marked to show their length while telling the user where to enter
the data. Data entry in on-line systems also includes the ability to edit data.
In each of these cases, valid entries must be identified and communicated to
programmers so that they develop the software to accept correct entries
and reject those that are invalid.
Basic Rules for CRT-Input Display Screens : There are a few basic rules that
must be followed in displaying information on a screened. The important
points to remember are :
Format the output so that it is easy to read. For example, dont clutter up the
screen with un-necessary information. Always display directions or error
messages in the same place on the screen, and leave space between items
so that the information is easy to read.
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Dont overuse colour. Often monitors that display information is colour are
used for terminals or for microcomputers. Carefully controlled use of colour
can make the information more understandable; uncontrolled use of colour
adds confusion.
Clear the entire screen between formats. There is usually a clear screen
command that can be used.
Test all screens. Have someone totally unfamiliar with the program to load
the program and enter the required data without using the help option
before same is released commercially.
Develop and use simple conventions such as having an operator enter a 1
or Y for a positive response to a question or a statement.
Make certain that all directions are clearly stated.
Prevent scrolling. Unless delays are coded into programs, information is
displayed on a VDT faster than most people can read. One screen of
information should be displayed at a time, When the operator. is ready,
specified key is depressed and a new screen of information is displayed.
Data Dictionaries
Data dictionary stores description of data items and structures as well as systems
processes. It is intended to be used to understand the system by analyst who
retrieves the details and descriptions it stores. He takes the help of data
dictionary during system design, when information about such concerns as data
length, alternate names and data use in particular processes must be available.
The data dictionaries have also validation information in storage to help of the
analysts in specifying controls for the systems acceptance of data. The dictionary
also contains definitions of data flows, data stores and processes. Data
dictionaries can be developed manually or using automated systems. Automated
systems offer the advantage of automatically producing data element, data
structure and process listings. They also perform cross-reference checking and
error detection. Automated dictionary systems are becoming the norm in the
development of computer information systems.
Major Concerns Regarding CRT-Input Screen Design
Major concerns regarding CRT-input screen designs are as follows :
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interrelated files. A database is not merely a collection of files. The records in each
file must allow for relationships to the records in other files. For example, a SALES
database might contain order records that are linked to their corresponding
CUSTOMER and PRODUCT records.
There is a fundamental difference between the file and database environments. In
the file environment, data storage is built around the applications that will use the
files. In the database environment, applications will be built around the integrated
database.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Conventional Files
In most organizations, many existing information systems and applications are
built around conventional files. Conventional files are relatively easy to design and
implement becauSe they are normally designed for use with a single application
or information system, such as ACCOUNT RECEIVABLE or PAYROLL. If the end
users output requirements are clearly understood, then the data that will be have
to be captured and stored to produced those outputs can be easily determined
and the best file organization for those requirements can be defined.
Another advantage of conventional files has been processing speed. They can be
optimized for the access of the application. At the same time, they can rarely be
optimized for shared use by different applications or systems.
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Database Design
DATABASE DESIGN
Historically files have been designed based on specific application. Payroll files are
created containing all the data pertinent to a companys payroll system.
Similarly,individual files are created for use with the companys personnel,
accounts receivable, inventory, and other systems. If the data contained on these
files are not carefully delineated, it is very much likely that the same data will
appear on several of these files. In other words, these files would contain
redundant data. For example, both a companys personnel file and payroll file
could contain the name and address of each employee. This would mean that a
simple change of address would have to be processed twice and possibly three or
four times, depending on the number of other files on which these data appear.
Clearly, it would be more practical to have each employees name and address on
one file from which it can be accessed by all pro6Lams requiring these data. This
would reduce the amount of redundant data and minimise the possibility that
data contained on a file might be inaccurate. This is but one of the reasons that
database technology was developed.
A database can be thought of as a set of logically related files organised to
facilitate access by one or more application programs and to minimise data
redundancy. In other words, a database can be defined as a stored collection of
data, organised on the basis of relationships in the data rather than the
convenience of storage structures. It is not a replacement of files.
Some general objectives in establishing a database are as follows,
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Conceptual Schema
CONCEPTUAL SCHEMA
Once a database designer is aware of the data which is to be stored within the
database, they must then determine how the various pieces of that data relate to
one another. When performing this step, the designer is generally looking out for
the dependencies in the data, where one piece of information is dependent upon
another, i.e., when one piece of information changes, the other will also. For
example, in a list of names and addresses, assuming the normal situation where
two people can have the same address, but one person cannot have two
addresses, the name is dependent upon the address, because if the address is
different then the associated name is different too. However, the inverse is not
necessarily true, i.e., when the name changes address may be the same.
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File Organisation
FILE ORGANISATION
A file is organised to ensure that records are available for processing. Before a file
is created, the application to which the file will be used must be carefully
examined. Clearly, a fundamental consideration in this examination will concern
the data to be recorded on the file. But an equally important and less obvious
consideration concerns how the data are to be placed on the file.
(A) Sequential : It is the simplest method-to store and retrieve data from a file.
Sequential organisation simply means storing and sorting in physical form on
tape or disk. In a sequential organisation a record can be added only at the end of
the file. That is, in a sequential tile, records are stored one after the other without
concern for the actual value of the data in the records. It is not possible to insert a
record in the middle of the file without re-writing the file. In a sequential file
update, transaction records are in the same sequence as in the master file.
Records from both files are matched, one record at a time, resulting in an
updated master file.
It is a characteristic of sequential files that all records are stored by position; the
first one is at the first position, the second one occupies the second position and
third is at third and so on. There are no addresses or location assignments in
sequential files.
To read a sequential file, the system always starts at the beginning of the file. If the
record sought is somewhere in the file, the system reads its ways upto it, one
record at a time.
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Using the key field, in a sequential file the records have been arranged into
ascending or descending order according to a key field. This key field may be
numeric, alphabetic, or a combination.of both, but it must occupy the same place
in each record, as it forms the basis for determining the order in which the
records will appear on the file. The advantages and disadvantages of the
Sequential File organisation are given below :
Advantages
1. Simple to understand this approach
2. Locating a record requires only the record key.
3. Efficiency and economical if the activity rate is high.
4. Relatively inexpensive I/O media and devices may be used.
5. Files may be relatively easy to reconstruction since a good measure of built
in backup is usually available.
Disadvantages
1. Entire file must be processed even when the activity rate is low.
2. Transactions must be sorted and placed in sequence prior to processing.
3. Timeliness of data in file deteriorates while batches are being accumulated.
4. Data redundancy is typically high since the same data may be stored in
several files sequenced on different keys.
(B) Random or Direct
For a proposed system, when the sequential files are assumed as a disadvantages,
another file organisation called Direct organisation is used. As with a sequential
file, each record in a direct file must contain a key field. However, the records need
not appear on the file in key field sequence. In addition any record stored on a
direct file can be accessed if its location or address is known. All previous records
need not to be accessed. The problem, however, is to determine how to store the
data records so that given the key field of the desired record, its storage location
on the field can be determined. In other words, if the program known the record
key, it can determine the location address of a record and retrieve it
independently of any other records in the file.
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It would be ideal if the key field could also be the location of the record on the file.
This method is known as direct addressing method. This is quite simple method
but the requirements of this method often prevent its use.
Therefore, before a direct organised file can be created, a formula or method
must be devised to convert the key field value for a record to the addreSs or
location of the record on the field. This formula or method is generally called an
algorithm. Otherwise called the Hashing addressing. Hashing refers to the process
of deriving a storage address from a record key. There are many algorithms to
determine the storage location using key field. One of the algorithm is :
Division by Prime
In this procedure, the actual key is divided by any prime number. Here the
modular division is used, that is, quotient is discarded and the storage location is
signified by the remainder. If the key field consists of large number of digits, for
instance, 10 digits (e.g., 2345632278), then strip off the first or last 4 digits and then
apply the division by prime method.
The advantages and disadvantages of direct file organisation are as follows :
Advantages
1. Immediate access to records for enquiry and updating purposes is possible.
2. Immediate updating of several files as a result of single transaction is
possible.
3. Time taken for sorting the transactions can be saved.
Disadvantages
1. Records in the on-line file may be exposed, the risk of a loss of accuracy and
a procedure for special backup and reconstruction is required.
2, As compared to sequentially organised, this may be less efficient in using the
storage space.
3. Adding and deleting of records is more difficult than with sequential files.
Relatively expensive hardware and software resources are required.
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(C) Indexed
The third way of accessing records stored in the system is through an index. The
basic form of an index includes a record key and the storage address for a record.
To find a record, when the storage address is unknown it is necessary to scan the
records. However, if an index is used, the search will be faster since it takes less
time to search an index than an entire file of data.
To find a specific record when the file is stored under an indexed organisation, the
index is searched first to find the key of the record wanted. When it is found, the
corresponding storage address is noted and then the program can access the
record directly. This method uses a sequential scan of the index, followed by
direct access to the appropriate record. The index helps to speed up the search
compared with a sequential file, but it is slower than the direct addressing.
The indexed files are generally maintained on magnetic disk or on a mass storage
system. The primary differences between direct and indexed organised files are as
follows :
Direct organised files utilise an algorithm to determine the location of a record,
whereas indexed organised files utilize and index to locate a record to be
randomly accessed. The advantages and disadvantages of indexed sequential file
organisation are as follows :
Advantages
1. Permits the efficient and economical use of sequential processing
techniques when the activity rate is high.
2. Permits quick access to records in a relatively efficient way. This activity is a
small fraction of the total workload.
Disadvantages
1. Less efficient in the use of storage space than some other alternatives.
2. Access to records may be slower using indices than when transform
algorithms are used.
3. Relatively expensive hardware and software resources are required.
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Database Design
DATABASE DESIGN
Historically files have been designed based on specific application. Payroll files are
created containing all the data pertinent to a companys payroll system.
Similarly,individual files are created for use with the companys personnel,
accounts receivable, inventory, and other systems. If the data contained on these
files are not carefully delineated, it is very much likely that the same data will
appear on several of these files. In other words, these files would contain
redundant data. For example, both a companys personnel file and payroll file
could contain the name and address of each employee. This would mean that a
simple change of address would have to be processed twice and possibly three or
four times, depending on the number of other files on which these data appear.
Clearly, it would be more practical to have each employees name and address on
one file from which it can be accessed by all pro6Lams requiring these data. This
would reduce the amount of redundant data and minimise the possibility that
data contained on a file might be inaccurate. This is but one of the reasons that
database technology was developed.
A database can be thought of as a set of logically related files organised to
facilitate access by one or more application programs and to minimise data
redundancy. In other words, a database can be defined as a stored collection of
data, organised on the basis of relationships in the data rather than the
convenience of storage structures. It is not a replacement of files.
Some general objectives in establishing a database are as follows,
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Schema
SCHEMA
Once a database system has been designed, it will be possible to identify each
type of data item, data aggregate, record and set by a name or code. It will be
possible to state which data item types go together to make data aggregate types
and record types. A coded set of tables describing this information and stored in
the computer system on direct access devices is called a Schema. It is a
description of the data structure which s separate from the data itself. The
schema describes the areas, their identifiers and page sizes, and indicates how
these are related to records and sets. In other systems, a different set of tables is
used for this.
The schema, therefore, is the view of the data, the overall logical data structure
which is held by the DBMS. Each time a program requires data, the DBMS will look
up in the schema for the details of the structure of the data requested. For
example, if the program requires. occurrence of a set, the DBMS will look up in the
schema which record types are
required, how to find the relevant records given a certain key by the program, and
perhaps also which areas the pages containing the relevant data are stored in.
SubSchema
In a database system, it is not always possible to allow programmers to write the
data division of their choice for reasons of security or control. It is more useful to
provide the programmer with a standard description of the logical data to be
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used in a particular application. All references to data within the program will be
for this description, which is called a Subschema and is similar to the Schema in
structure. The DBMS has the job of matching data requests on a subschema and
data requests based on the schema.
Database System Architecture
The architecture was proposed by ANSI/SPARC study group of
The knowledge of this architecture is extremely useful in describing general
database concept and structure of individual system.
Major purchase of a database system is to provide the users with an abstract
view of data, e., the system hides certain things like how the data is stored
and maintained. But on the other part, data must be retrieved efficiently in
order to make the system usable.
Since many database end users are not computer trained, the complexity
hidden from them in order to simplify their interaction with the system is
through three levels of abstraction.
(1) Physical Level (Internal Level)
This is the lowest level of data which describes how the data are actually
stored and organized on the medium. It describes the complete details of
data storage and access paths for the database.
In other words, it has the definition of the records stored and methods of
representing the data fields.
(2) Conceptual Level (Global Level)
It deals with data actually stored in the database. It describes the structure
of the whole database for users in terms of relatively small structures.
There is on conceptual scheme per database, which also contains the
method of
driving the objects in the conceptual view from the objects in the internal
view.
It describes all the records and relationship included in the conceptual view.
(3) External Level (View Level)
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Data Models
DATA MODELS
Definition : A data model is a collection of conceptual tools for describing data,
their relationships, data semantics and consistency constraints.
(1) Record Based Logical Models
Relational
Network
Hierarchical
Physical Data Models
Object Based Logical Models
ER model
Object Oriented Model
(1) Hierarchical Model
It organises data in a tree structure.
There is a hierarchy of a parent and child data segments. This segment
implies that a record can have repeating information, generally in the child
data segment.
Here the data and relationships among data are represented by records and
links
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The record are organized as collection of trees rather than arbitrary graphs.
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(a) E-R-Model :
it is based on the perception of a real world which consists of a collection of
basic objects called entities and relationships among these objects.
An entity is an object that is distinguishable from other objects by a specific
set of attributes.
A relationship is an association among several entities.
The set of all entities of same type and relationships of same type are
termed as entity set and relationship set respectively.
The overall logical structure of database can be expressed graphically by an E-Rdiagram.
(b) Object-Oriented Model
It is based on a collection of objects.
And object has :
A set of variables that contains the data for object. The value of each
variable is itself an object.
A set of messages to which an object responds.
A method, which is a body of code to implement each message. A method
returns a value as the response to the message.
The objects that contain the same type of values and same methods are grouped
together into classes. A class may be viewed as a type definition for objects.
(3) Physical Data Models
Physical data models are used to describe data at the lowest level.
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Processes
PROCESSES
There are several phases and processes in the user interface design some of
which are
more demanded upon than others depending on the project which are as follows:
Functionality requirements gathering : Assembling a list of the
functionality required of the system to accomplish the goals of the project
and the potential needs of the users.
User analysis : Analysis of the potential users of the system either through
discussion with people who work with the users and/or the potential users
themselves. Typical questions involve:
What would the user want the system to do?
How would the system fit in with the users normal workflow or daily
activities?
How technically savvy is the user and what similar systems does the user
already use?
What interface look & feel styles appeal to the user?
Information architecture Development of the process and/or information
flow of the system (i.e. for phone tree systems, this would be an option tree
flowchart and for web sites this would be a site flow that shows the hierarchy
of the pages).
Prototyping Development of wireframes, either in the form of paper
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Prototyping
PROTOTYPING
Prototyping is the process of quickly putting together a working model (a
prototype) in order to test various aspects of a design, illustrate ideas or features
and gather early user feedback. Prototyping is often treated as an integral part of
the system design process, where it is believed to reduce project risk and cost.
Often one or more prototypes are made in a process of iterative and incremental
development where each prototype is influenced by the performance of previous
designs, in this way problems or deficiencies in design can be corrected. When the
prototype is sufficiently refined and meets the functionality, robustness,
manufacturability and other design goals, the product is ready for production.
Prototyping is the process of building a model of a system. In terms of an
information system, prototypes are employed to help system designers build an
information system that intuitive and easy to manipulate for end users.
Prototyping is an iterative process that is part of the analysis phase of the systems
development life cycle. During the requirements determination portion of the
systems analysis phase, system analysts gather information about the
organizations current procedures and business processes related the proposed
information system. In addition, they study the current information system, if
there is one, and conduct user interviews and collect documentation. This helps
the analysts develop an initial set of system requirements.
Prototyping can augment this process because it converts these basic, yet
sometimes intangible, specifications into a tangible but limited working model of
the desired information system. The user feedback gained from developing a
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physical system that the users can touch and see facilitates an evaluative
response that the analyst can employ to modify existing requirements as well as
developing new ones.
Prototyping comes in many forms from low tech sketches or paper screens from
which users and developers can paste controls and objects, to high tech
operational systems using CASE (computer-aided software engineering) or fourth
generation languages and everywhere in between. Many organizations use
multiple prototyping tools. For example, some will use paper in the initial analysis
to facilitate concrete user
feedback and then later develop an operational prototype using fourth generation
languages, such as Visual Basic, during the design stage.
The process of prototyping involves the following steps :
1. Identify basic requirements : Determine basic requirements including the
input and output information desired. Details such as security, can typically
be ignored.
2. Develop Initial Prototype : The initial prototype is developed that includes
only user interfaces.
3. Review : The customers, including end-users, examine the prototype and
provide feedback on additions or changes.
4. Revise and Enhancing the Prototype : Using the feedback both the
specifications and the prototype can be improved. Negotiation about what is
within the scope of the contract/product may be necessary. If changes are
introduced then a repeat of steps 3 and step 4 may be needed.
Types of prototyping
Software prototyping has many variants. However, all the methods are in some
way based on two major types of prototyping : Throwaway Prototyping and
Evolutionary Prototyping.
Throwaway prototyping
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Evolutionary Prototyping
EVOLUTIONARY PROTOTYPING
Evolutionary Prototyping is quite different from Throwaway Prototyping. The main
goal when using Evolutionary Prototyping is to build a very robust prototype in a
structured manner and constantly refine it. The reason for this is that the
Evolutionary prototype, when built, forms the heart of the new system, and the
improvements and further requirements will be built. When developing a system
using Evolutionary Prototyping, the system is continually refined and rebuilt. This
technique allows the development team to add features, or make changes that
couldnt be conceived during the requirements and design phase.
Evolutionary Prototyping have an advantage over Throwaway Prototyping in that
they are functional systems. Although they may not have all the features the users
have planned, they may be used on an interim basis until the, final system is
delivered. It is not unusual within a prototyping environment for the user to put
an initial prototype to practical use while waiting for a more developed
version.The user may decide that a flawed system is better than no system at all
In Evolutionary Prototyping, developers can focus themselves to develop parts of
the system that they understand instead of working on developing a whole
system. To minimize risk, the developer does not implement poorly understood
features. The partial system is sent to customer sites. As users work with the
system, they detect opportunities for new features and give requests for these
features to developers. Developers then take these enhancement requests along
with their own and use sound configuration-management practices to change the
software-requirements specification, update the design, recode and retest.
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Disadvantages of Prototyping
DISADVANTAGES OF PROTOTYPING
Using, or perhaps misusing, prototyping can also have disadvantages:
1. Insufficient analysis : The focus on a limited prototype can distract
developers from properly analyzing the complete project. This can lead to
overlooking better solutions, preparation of incomplete specifications or the
conversion of limited prototypes into poorly engineered final projects that
are hard to maintain. Further, since a prototype is limited in functionality it
may not scale well if the prototype is used as the basis of a final deliverable,
which may not be noticed if developers are too focused on building a
prototype as a.
2. User confusion of prototype and finished system : Users can begin to
think that a prototype, intended to be thrown away, is actually a final system
that merely needs to be finished or polished. (They are, for example, often
unaware of the effort needed to add error-checking and security features
which a prototype may not have.) This can lead them to expect the prototype
to accurately model the performance of the final system when this is not the
intent of the developers. Users can also become attached to features that
were included in a prototype for consideration and then removed from the
specification for a final system. If users are able to require all proposed
features be included in the final system this can lead to feature creep.
3. Developer attachment to prototype : Developers can also become.
attached to prototypes they have spent a great deal of effort producing; this
can lead to problems like attempting to convert a limited prototype into a
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Documentation
DOCUMENTATION
Software documentation is written text that accompanies computer software. It
either explains how it operates or how to use it, and may mean different things to
people in different roles.
Types
Documentation is an important part of software engineering. Types of
documentation include :
Architecture/Design Overview of software. Includes relations to an
environment and construction principles to be used in design of software
Technical Documentation of code, algorithms, interfaces, and APIs.
End User Manuals for the end-user, system administrators and support
staff.
Marketing Product briefs and promotional collateral.
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Architecture/Design Documentation
ARCHITECTURE/DESIGN DOCUMENTATION.
Architecture documentation is a special breed of design documents. These
documents do not describe how to program a particular routine, or even why that
particular routine exists in the form that it does, but instead merely lays out the
general requirements that would motivate the existence of such a routine. A good
architecturedocument is short on details but thick on explanation. It may suggest
approaches for lower level design, but leave the actual exploration trade studies
to other documents.
Another breed of design does is the comparison document, or trade study. This
would often take the form of a whitepaper. It focuses on one specific aspect of the
system and suggests alternate approaches. It could be at the user interface, code,
design, or even architectural level. It will outline what the situation is, describe one
or more alternatives, and enumerate the pros and cons of each. A good trade
study document is heavy on research, expresses its idea clearly, and most
importantly is impartial. It should honestly and clearly explain the costs of
whatever solution it offers as best.
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Technical Documentation
TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION
This is what most programmers mean when using the term software
documentation. When creating software, code alone is insufficient. There must be
some text along with it to describe various aspects of its intended operation. It is
important for the code documents to be thorough, but not so verbose that it
becomes difficult to maintain them.
Often, tools such as Doxygen, NDoc, javadoc, SandCastle, ROBODoc, POD ,
TwinText , or Universal Report can be used to auto-generate the code documentsthat is, they extract the comments from the source code and create reference
manuals in such forms as text or HTML files. Code documents are often organized
into a reference guide style, allowing a programmer to quickly look up an arbitrary
function or class.
Many programmers really like the idea of auto-generating documentation for
various reasons. For example, because it is extracted from the source code itself,
the programmer can write it while referring to his code, and can use the same
tools he used to create the source code, to make the documentation. This makes
it much easier to keep the documentation up-to-date.
User Documentation
Unlike code documents, user documents are usually far more diverse with respect
to the source code of the program, and instead simply describe how it is used.
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In the case of a software library, the code documents and user documents could
be effectively equivalent and are worth conjoining, but for a general application
this is not often true. Typically, the user documentation describes each feature of
the program, and assists the user in realizing these features. A good user
document can also go so far as to provide thorough troubleshooting assistance. It
is very important for user documents to not be confusing, and for them to be up
to date. User documents need not be organized in any particular way, but it is very
important for them to have a thorough index. Consistency and simplicity are also
very valuable. User documentation is considered to constitute a contract
specifying what the software will do.
There are three broad ways in which user documentation can be organized.
(a) Tutorial
A tutorial approach is considered the most useful for a new user, in which they are
guided through each step of accomplishing particular tasks.
(b) Thematic
A thematic approach, where chapters or sections concentrate on one particular
area of interest, is of more general use to an intermediate user.
(c) List or Reference
The final type of organizing principle is one in which commands or tasks are
simply listed alphabetically or logically grouped, often via cross-referenced
indexes. This latter approach is of greater use to advanced users who know
exactly what sort of information they are looking for.
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Marketing Documentation
MARKETING DOCUMENTATION
For many applications it is necessary to have some promotional materials to
encourage casual observers to spend more time learning about the product. This
form of documentation has three purposes :
1. To excite the potential user about the product and instill in them a desire for
becoming more involved with it.
2. To inform them about what exactly the product does, so that their
expectations are in line with what they will be receiving.
3. To explain the position of this product with respect to other alternativeg.
One good marketing technique is to provide clear and memorable catch phrases
that exemplify the point we wish to convey, and also emphasize the
interoperability of the program with anything else provided by the manufacturer.
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