An external entity is a component outside a system that interacts with the system, often serving as a source or destination of data. It is crucial in defining system boundaries and understanding how the system interfaces with the outside world.
A Data Flow Diagram (DFD) is a graphical representation used to visualize the flow of data within a system, highlighting the processes, data stores, and external entities involved. It is a valuable tool for understanding system functionality and identifying potential areas for improvement in system design and data management.
Interaction is the reciprocal action or influence between entities, which can be individuals, systems, or environments. It is fundamental to understanding complex systems and behaviors, as it shapes the dynamics and outcomes of relationships and processes.
A Logical Data Flow Diagram (DFD) focuses on the business and how the business operates, illustrating the flow of data through a system without detailing the technical implementation. It is used to visualize processes, data storage, and data flow in a system, highlighting the inputs, outputs, and interactions between different entities and processes.