STRUCTURED ANALYSIS REPRESENTATIONS AS PRODUCTION SYSTEMS: AN INTERPRETATION AND ITS IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

Much of transaction processing involves classification, that is, the categorization of inputs into outputs based on various tests. In Artificial Intelligence (Al), classification systems are generally represented in terms of AND/OR graphs. Such graphs are collections of production rules that capture declaratively the logic of an application domain. If one views a transaction processing system as a classification system, it becomes natural to represent it in terms of an AND/OR graph. In this paper, we present an interpretation of dataflow diagrams used in Structured Analysis as AND/OR graphs. By examining the dataflow diagrams, production rules capturing application-specific knowledge can be constructed. This interpretation has two implications: 1) production rules can be used to unify analysis and design since the same data structure (the rule) is used for both purposes, and 2) the resulting design can be simulated for purposes of explanation and what-if analysis. We also discuss some of the general pros and cons of production systems as they pertain to systems analysis and design.