It is rare to find a book for which the cover description aptly reflects the book’s contents. This, however, is the case with this book:

This book is a clear tutorial on one of the most essential aspects of the system’s analyst’s and programmer’s work--the diagramming of complex structures and logic. Amazingly, no competing book exists. The contents of this book ought to be basic training for every DP professional.

The book covers 29 of the major diagramming techniques used to document both the logic and data designs across three levels of information systems design: the high-level overview, the logical structure, and the program structure. Each technique is clearly illustrated and, most importantly, is characterized in terms of its purpose, its strengths, and its weaknesses.

As an introduction and reference source, the book is ideal. Most likely, readers desiring to make use of described techniques will require more detailed instructions than are provided. The authors, however, do direct the reader to appropriate sources for these instructions. The book is highly recommended for both the professional and the student.