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Structural methods constitute the discipline of systems analysis and design. Such methods make it possible to eliminate various difficulties associated with the specifics of large systems. This is achieved by differentiating them into component parts, which are also called “black boxes”, as well as the hierarchical organization of such “black boxes”.
The practical benefit of differentiation is that it is not necessary to understand the principle of their work when using the resulting parts. The user only needs to know their inputs and outputs, as well as their purpose. Simply put, it is necessary to understand what tasks this or that “black box” should perform.
Based on all this, it follows that at the first stage of the process of simplification of a complex system, it is divided into several “black boxes”. However, the division must meet several basic criteria:
Each “black box” must have one single function.
The functions of these black boxes must be easy to understand, even if they are difficult to implement in practice.
Any interconnections between the black boxes should be as simple as possible. This makes them independent of each other.
Another fundamental aspect in the field of structural methods is the idea of hierarchy. In order to understand a complex system, it is necessary not only to differentiate it, but also to ensure the competent organization of the resulting parts. Hierarchical structures are used precisely for this purpose.
If you think about it, any complex system in our world, be it an elementary particle or a whole galaxy, is necessarily arranged in a certain hierarchy. If a complex system is developed by man himself, he uses this natural principle in his sphere of activity.
For example, every company has a director, deputy directors, a hierarchy of department heads, and rank-and-file employees. In addition, structural methods often use visual modeling, which is necessary for easy understanding of complex structures.
Structural analysis is a way of examining a system. First of all, its general overview is made, and then the details of the received information are performed. Ultimately, researchers obtain a hierarchical structure with a large number of levels.
Functional decomposition is the most important method of differentiating into levels of abstraction within structural analysis. Decomposition is the division of the whole into parts. In this case, we are talking about the division of the system into functional subsystems, which are then divided into sub-functions. The latter, in turn, are divided into tasks, and those into specific procedures.
At the same time, the system will still be holistic, and all of its components will be interconnected. If the system is developed “from the bottom up” (from specific tasks to the general system), its holistic view is lost. In addition, there are difficulties associated with the description of the information interaction of individual elements.
