This disk contains the Release 1.05 version of the ATK tools. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-ATK DESCRIPTION-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The ATK is a collection of application software designed to facilitate the development, analysis, and maintenance of a set of DFDs (data flow diagrams) and their associated data dictionary: + A GRAPHIC EDITOR, called GED, which allows DFDs to be interactively entered and manipulated. Unlike a generic graphics package, GED is specifically designed to work with standard DFD symbology and conventions. GED produces an ASCII format file as output, which can be read (and modified) by text editors as well as the other tools in the package. The symbology has been reported adequate for STDs and other similar diagrams. + A DATA DICTIONARY builder, called DDBUILD, which can read the output of the graphic editor and produce the skeleton Data Dictionary. The data dictionary is an ASCII formatted file which can be read and modified by text editors as well as the DD EVALUATOR and the DFD EVALUATOR. + A DATA DICTIONARY EVALUATOR, called DDEVAL, which reads the completed data dictionary, parses it for errors, and produces an exception listing. + A DATA FLOW DIAGRAM EVALUATOR, called ANAL, which reads the data flow diagram files and the data dictionary, and reports on conformance to the Structured Analysis methodology guidelines. + A REPORT GENERATOR, called RG, which formats the output of the other tools. It has knowledge files produced by ATK, but may be used as general-purpose formatter. Other tools are also included: + A PostScript GENERATOR, called GEDPS, which converts DFD files into PostScript representations suitable for sending to PostScript printers or layout tools. + A DFD REUSE HELPER, called ATTACH, which copies entire DFD subtrees for reuse on other designs. + Other tools for printing and pretty printing. This version of ATK was originally intended for classroom use and provides an environment in which to study the Structured Analysis method. It was discovered, however, to be practical for a range of small design efforts, and is being offered as SHAREWARE at a price to suit a market neglected by comparable products. The toolkit features: + 8 levels of decomposition below the context diagram. + Data dictionary evaluation limited only by available memory. + Flat ASCII data file formats easily accessible to other tools. + PostScript output from DFDs, suitable for printing or incorporation as EPS documents in publishing systems like Ventura Publisher. + Full function on vanilla PC hardware configurations, with no mouse or expensive graphics cards required (though they are supported). -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Please use and evaluate. Send comments to: E-Mail: mschwart@nyx.cs.du.edu USNail: Chinook Software Group Michael Schwartz PO BOX 24536 Denver, CO 80224 The documentation is found in TUTORIAL.TXT. Please read this document. Some technical documentation may be found in *.DOC files. This information is auxilliary, and there is no reason for most users to be concerned with it. You may wish to browse the first paragraph to find out what is in them, however. ATK is SHAREWARE. That means you may have it, distribute it, and try it for a reasonable period (90 days) without charge or obligation. After that amount of time you must either license it or discard it. The success and development of this, as any SHAREWARE product, depends on your support. If you find ATK saves you at least 3 hours of work in your life, please register your copy. Your $35 goes a long way toward encouraging and allowing the authors to migrate the tools and provide improvements. Fill out the form ORDER.DOC to register your copy. Upon registration, you will receive a printed manual of over 60 pages describing the commands and options in more detail than the tutorial, a printed copy of the tutorial, and the latest version of the tools. ATK is, and will continue to be, fully-featured SHAREWARE with no limitations or annoying pop-up reminder screens. Registration advantages include documentation, updates/notification, access to the enhancement list priorities, and knowledge you are advancing the product. Your letters, comments, and criticisms are welcomed. Most of the enhancements in this version were suggested, defined, and tested by ATK users. !!!IMPORTANT INSTALLATION NOTE: If you are installing from the ZIP or self-extracting EXE files, please be sure to include the -d option so that all directories stored in the archive are extracted properly!!! Example: Disk with self-extracting archive is in drive A: (ATK1IBM.EXE) 1) Create and go to the desired installation directory 2) Type 'A:ATK1IBM -d' on the command line. Example: Disk with ZIP file is in drive A: (ATK1IBM.ZIP) 1) Create and go to the desired installation directory 2) Type 'PKUNZIP -d A:ATK1IBM' on the command line (PKZIP 1.10 or higher) Version 0 features no longer supported: "Massive" cursor Flow splitters Version 1.0 new features Mouse support Fine and coarse arrow cursor support Epson printer support Route points for flows (replaces flow splitters) Description items on DFDs Full EGA/VGA/Hercules support Version 1.05 new features HP printer support Control flows GED configuration enhancements ANAL enhancements GEDPS enhancements -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- See UPDATES.DOC for changes in the programs since the TUTORIAL.TXT was printed.