Overview
This reference describes the semantic modeling of data as a technique for systems analysis. Authors focus first on information modeling itself and the problems to which such a model applies, and then demonstrates how the model can be integrated into the software development process. Four fully developed models are included in the appendix.
This book explains how to model a problem domain by abstracting objects, attributes, and relationships from observations of the real world. It provides a wealth of examples, guidelines, and suggestions based on the authors' extensive experience in both real time and commercial software development. This book describes the first of three steps in the method of Object-Oriented Analysis. Subsequent steps are described in Object Lifecycles by the same authors.
Synopsis
Focuses directly on the information content of a problem — making the technique particularly appropriate for applications with minimal processing requirements (e.g., database problems) or for particularly rich or complex problem environments (e.g., many real-time control systems, decision support systems, or knowledge base systems).
Explains in depth: how to make decisions of model construction, and how to record the results of those decisions.
First considers information modeling itself, and the problems to which such a model applies. Then shows how the model can be integrated into the software development process.
Presents material in a "picturebook" style — rich in examples and light on theory.
Uses many model fragments throughout, and features four fully-developed models in an appendix.