Yourdon provides a fresh perspective on structured systems analysis, integrating traditional methodologies with modern technology. He thoroughly discusses data modeling, real-time systems, prototyping, and 4GLs.N |
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6 of 6 found the following review helpful:
 Sound Principles insideMay 04, 2005
By Todd M. Owens
Ed Yourdon's Modern Structured Analysis is a classic, but the principles it covers are still valid today. Yourdon's treatment of the analysis techniques of ER Modeling, Data Dictionaries, State-Transition diagrams and Data Flow Diagrams is still relevant. The discussion of systems thinking and the players in systems development still rings true. Understanding Structured English and Decision Tables can only enable an analysis effort.
Critics seem not to grasp that this is not a book about technology or designing or implementing systems; instead, this is a book about Systems Analysis. The product of Systems Analysis is a requirements document of some sort, which serves as a launching point for systems design or acquisition. This book makes that point well, if only those critics would pay attention.
No, this book is not perfect. I find the typeface displeasing and some of the notations used are out of date (e.g., no one I know uses Chen notation for ER modeling, and I prefer Gane-Sarson notation over Yourdon's for DFDs). And the treatment of systems analysis in the SDLC and of JAD could be more complete. But no where else have I seen the treatment of these basic techniques and approaches covered as exhaustively as in this book.
It will always have an honored place on my bookshelf.
10 of 12 found the following review helpful:
Good in-depth introductionNov 29, 1999
By Bart Decaigny
When I was at university, this book was my introduction to structured analysis. I found it fun and easy to read (I believe I finished in two weeks). Every aspect of analysis is explained in a very clear way. It might be true that some of the techniques are outdated, indeed. But beginners need some place to start, and I think this book is great as a first book for someone who tries to get a grip on structured analysis by self-study. By the way some university professors don't even teach such 'recent' developments (I can give some examples). Besides, about the 'outdated' comment, if you buy a IT-book that was written 8 years ago, you're quite foolish to expect it to have the latest trends and techniques explained!
4 of 5 found the following review helpful:
 A Still-Relevant and Very Useful ClassicAug 03, 2005
By annoyed with ignorant reviewers here
This is a very good book. As evidence, it's recommended reading on the Professional Development Ladder of Construx Software, Steve McConnell's company. McConnell himself participated in developing the ladder. If someone at the absolute top of the field thinks this book is worthwhile, then those who scorn it as out-of-date don't understand what they should be learning from it.
If you don't know who Steve McConnell is, he wrote one the best-selling, most highly regarded books on software development ever, Code Complete (now in a second edition), along with some other well received titles. He is regarded by many as the person who knows more about software development than anyone else in the world.
5 of 7 found the following review helpful:
One of the best books on systems analysisNov 13, 2000
By Conrad H. Weisert
Although Modern Structured Analysis was written a generation ago, its remains valid and valuable to today's systems analyst. Its examples are a bit weak, but the concepts and techniques are a healthy antidote to the UML-extremism found in many new systems analysis treatments. Highly recommended.
This is a prerequisite for case tools.May 28, 2000
By bernie
"webviator"
Do not let the published date this book fool you. The principles are sound and hold true for today. This is a structured analysis book, not a programming book.
This book goes way beyond flow charts. And take you into the realm of entity-relationship diagrams, tools of structured analysis, state-transition diagrams, and behavioral models, automated tools, and various charts such as Gant.
This is a prerequisite for case tools.
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based on 12 reviews
