A structure chart is an important tool used in software engineering to visualize the high-level design and structure of a software system. It shows the breakdown of a system into its component modules and the dependencies between them.
This article will provide an overview of structure charts - what they are, their role and benefits in software development, and how to create them using tools like EdrawMax. We will also look at work breakdown structures (WBS) which are closely related to structure charts. By the end, you will have a good understanding of this useful technique for planning and designing robust software architecture.
In this article
Part 1: What is a Structure Chart in Software Engineering?
A structure chart, also known as a hierarchical chart, is a diagram that outlines the structure of a system by breaking it down into subsystems and components. It depicts the high-level architecture of a software application to enable developers to better understand the relationships between its modules.
The main elements of a structure chart are:
- Modules: These are the system components, represented as boxes. The modules are arranged from top to bottom in order of hierarchy. High-level modules are placed at the top while lower-level, more detailed modules are placed below.
- Lines: Lines are used to connect the modules to show the dependencies between them. Control flows downwards through the structure chart.
- Control: The lines indicate the control relationships between modules. A control relation means one module invokes or calls the other module below it.
By providing a visual model of the software structure, structure charts promote structured programming principles. They help create modular, layered applications that are easier to develop, test, and maintain.
Part 2: Role of Team Structure in Software Engineering
An important application of structure charts is to map team structure and roles in a software project. In any sizable software engineering endeavor, developers are organized into teams and sub-teams to work on different modules and components.
The structure chart clearly delineates:
- The hierarchy of teams i.e. the team organization and reporting structure.
- Responsibilities and focus area of each team - which modules they have to work on.
- Inter-team dependencies and interfaces.
This enables efficient task coordination between teams working on interconnected components. It minimizes communication gaps and confusion over who has to work on which module.
Moreover, structured programming promotes loose coupling between modules by limiting inter-dependencies.
Part 3: Benefits of Implementing Structure Programming in Software Engineering
Some key benefits of using structure charts for structured programming:
- Improved manageability: The hierarchical breakdown of modules enables developers to better understand, modify, and maintain complex systems.
- Modularity: Structure promotes loose coupling between modules which can be developed independently.
- Scalability and flexibility: Adding new modules doesn't impact the existing structure.
- Support parallel development: Teams can work on modules separately with minimal coordination.
- Localize impact of changes: Modifications to a module don't cascade throughout the system.
- Early defect detection: Errors are identified within modules during unit testing.
- Better testability: Modules can be tested independently.
- Documentation and communication: Serve as documentation and aid in communicating the design.
By promoting these advantages, structure charts pave the way for efficient, scalable, and maintainable software architecture.
Part 4: Understanding WBS in Software Engineering
A Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is a project management technique that breaks down the scope of a project into manageable components. It is closely related to the structure chart.
Key aspects of WBS:
- Hierarchical: The WBS decomposes the project deliverables into finer levels of detail in a hierarchical manner.
- Deliverable-oriented: Each level represents project deliverables or outcomes instead of tasks or activities.
- 100% rule: The WBS covers 100% of the scope of the project at every level.
- Unique: No duplication of deliverables at the same level.
Part 5: Creating a Simple Programming Flowchart Using EdrawMax
EdrawMax is a powerful and user-friendly diagramming and visualization software that can be used to create structure charts, flowcharts, and other charts used in software engineering.
Here is one way to create a simple software engineering flowchart in EdrawMax:
Step 1:
Launch EdrawMax and select the Programming flowchart template.
Step 2:
Drag and drop flowchart symbols like terminators, process steps, and decisions/conditions from the Library pane.
Step 3:
Connect the symbols using arrows to depict the program flow logic. Enter text to label each flowchart element.
Step 4:
Use formatting options like themes, colors, and fonts to customize the look.
Step 5:
Export the flowchart in the required format - PNG, PDF, Word, Excel, etc.
Importance of using EdrawMax:
- Intuitive interface: Easy to learn and use even for beginners.
- Rich symbol libraries: 4000+ flowchart and diagramming symbols.
- Powerful editing tools: Align, distribute, auto-connect, etc.
- Customizable: Flexible styling and formatting options.
- Multi-export formats: Share flowcharts in any file format.
- Collaborative features: Share, review, and co-edit diagrams.
By providing these useful features under one roof, EdrawMax streamlines the process of creating accurate structure charts, flowcharts, UI mockups, ER diagrams, and hundreds of other diagrams for software engineering.
Conclusion
Structure charts are invaluable for accurately mapping the architecture of software systems through modular decomposition. They enhance structured programming, which enables manageable, flexible, and scalable software design.
For software teams, structure charts foster efficient coordination and parallel development by delineating product structure, team structure, and work breakdowns. Powerful tools like EdrawMax simplify the creation of structure charts and related diagrams.
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