BRFplus - Decision table - Decision tree

[ramesh_punder]

What is the difference between Decision table and Decision tree?

[SowmyaSurekha · Accepted solution]

Hi Ramesh,

The difference between decision tree and decision table:

Decision Tree: Decision trees are best suited for business rules that are relatively simple and easy to understand. They are also well-suited for rules that have a large number of possible outcomes, as they can be easily expanded to accommodate new conditions. However, decision trees can become difficult to maintain as they grow more complex, and they can be difficult to read and understand.

Decision Table: Decision tables are a more structured way of representing business logic, and they can be easier to maintain than decision trees. They are also well-suited for rules that have a small number of possible outcomes. However, decision tables can be more difficult to create than decision trees, and they can be less efficient for rules with a large number of possible outcomes.

some examples of when to use each type of modeling tool:

• Use a decision tree when:

  • There are a large number of possible outcomes.
  • The rule is relatively static and is not likely to change frequently.
  • The business rule is simple and easy to understand.

• Use a decision table when:

• The business rule is complex or has a large number of conditions.
• The rule is dynamic and is likely to change frequently.
• The rule needs to be easy to read and understand by business users.

Best Regards

sowmya

[Nana]

Hi Ramesh,

decision table is almost like you had decisions in Excel. There is also possibility to export decision table to excel, do changes there, and import it again in BRF+. You can check multiple fields (or expressions) in one line: if field A is initial, and if field B has value "Z" and if the result of the formula is 3, do something (or more things, because you can have more variables as a result of decision table).

Decision tree starts always with one check/decision (is field A initial). Then you define, what happens, if the field A initial is and what happens, if the field A not initial is. The same checks can also be done in decision table.

I have to say, I use decision trees not very often. I find decision tables more flexible and with possibility to be able to do entries also in Excel, is my go-to expression with complex decisions.

Best regards

Nana