EasyCASE An easy-to-use Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE) tool EasyCASE is a limited function CASE (Computer Aided Software Engineering) tool intended to simplify the generation (with a certain amount of automation) of: Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs) - Yourdon/DeMarco and Gane & Sarson symbol support provided, Transformation Graphs (data/control flow schema diagrams) - Ward & Mellor and Hatley-Pirbhai real time extensions supported. State Transition Diagrams - Ward & Mellor and Hatley-Pirbhai, Structure Charts - Yourdon/Constantine and Page-Jones, Data Structure Diagrams - Jackson, Entity Relationship Diagrams (ERDs) - Chen. EasyCASE provides an easier to use, more automated method of producing these diagrams than does a presentation graphics or drawing program in that the drawing features provided are only those required to provide the symbols, connections, annotation and relationships required for the specific chart types implemented. EasyCASE is considerably less expensive and is also easier to use than most of the full-featured CASE tools in that it provides only the basic functions necessary for performing and presenting structured systems analysis and design. EasyCASE provides the capability to add the appropriate chart type objects (processes, stores, terminators, flows, functions, modules, couples, connections, states, transitions, entities, relationships etc.) to the chart and then manipulate them (move, delete, modify, label and describe etc.). EasyCASE maintains certain information about each object and also its relationships with other objects on the chart. Objects can be added, moved, deleted, labelled, identified and associated with other objects on the chart. If an object is modified in any way, any other similarly identified or associated objects on the chart are modified also. For example : (i) if a data process symbol on a transformation graph is moved, any attached data and/or control flows and their labels are moved also, remaining connected to, and associated with, the moved symbol; (ii) if a function symbol on a structure chart is deleted, any attached connections and associated data or control flow arrows (couples) and their labels are deleted also; (iii) if a previously defined labelled object identifier is re- used, the new object will inherit its label. EasyCASE interacts quickly and easily with the user via pop-up dialog boxes and menus and makes use of the mouse for selecting commands and working with objects. Color is used (EGA/VGA graphics cards only), particularly for highlighting selected and modified objects. EasyCASE provides a sizeable drawing area (equivalent in size to 3 sheets wide (approx. 24 inches) by 2 sheets high (approx. 21 inches) of A-size paper) and several zoom modes, scrolling around which can be performed using the mouse or keyboard. The whole chart or a specific area, selectable using the mouse, can be printed to a number of output devices which are compatible with the following; Epson FX, Epson LQ, IBM Graphics Printers, Hewlett-Packard Graphics HP 7475 and 7550 (HPGL) Plotters, QuietJet, LaserJet (HPLJ) and DeskJet printers. Charts can be printed at 100, 150 and 300 dpi resolution on HP LaserJet and DeskJet printers. Data Dictionary support provided by EasyCASE is minimal in that it is only provided at the chart, rather than at the project (related set of charts) level. Information entered about each object, and the relationship between objects, on each chart produced is exported in dBASE III file format so that reports and analysis can be performed using dBASE III Plus, Lotus 1-2-3, Microsoft Excel, PC-File:dB etc. A more powerful product, EasyCASE Plus is available and provides full data dictionary support, chart linking and much more. Charts can also be exported in Microsoft Windows Paint (v1.0 and v2.0) and PC Paintbrush (v3.0) file formats so that they can be incorporated into documents when using a desktop publishing or word processing program which can import Paint images, such as Pagemaker, Ventura Publisher, Lotus Manuscript, PFS:First Publisher etc. EasyCASE is intended to provide the end-user with a quick and easy introduction to the concepts of structured analysis and design methods and CASE which may then provide him or her with a basic knowledge of the methods and techniques required to implement the full CASE solution. EasyCASE requires an IBM PC (286 or 386 -AT recommended) or compatible equipped with a Hercules, EGA or VGA graphics card connected to a monochrome or enhanced color monitor, Microsoft mouse (or compatible), at least 512 kbytes of RAM. An Intel 80287 or 80387 math co-processor will improve the speed of screen updates, chart draws and printing. A SHAREWARE (fully functional evaluation copy, not a demo) version of EasyCASE, with similar capabilities as the registered version, may be obtained by sending $5 (to cover costs) to Evergreen CASE Tools (address below). This copy does NOT include registration, printed manual, upgrades or technical support. However, a disk based version of the manual (you print it) and some sample charts are included on the disk. If you find EasyCASE suited to your needs and intend to use it on a regular basis, you must register it by returning the enclosed order form. During the evaluation period, you will be expected to abide by the rules for Shareware product usage provided in the user manual. August 29th, 1989 Evergreen CASE Tools, 11025 164th. Avenue NE, Redmond, WA 98052. Telephone : 206-881-5149 MEMBER ASP - Association of Shareware Professionals