What is the difference between DFD and Flow Chart?

DFD means Data Flow Diagram. DFD are graph representations of flow data. It describes the path of data from the external source and into the internal source. This can go both ways. This can be used to deal with complex systems. Flowcharts are mostly used to breakdown complex information into easy understand step.

Flowcharts can be used to show how to solve a problem. They represent data in systems. They are also used for analysis. There are 3 necessities in a flow chart. A start point, actions required for the task and finally dependent actions.

DFD stands for Data Flow Distance. DFD's are graphs, while flow charts are diagrams.They both represent something, with DFD's representing a flow of data. This data is shown through a system with information, which will reflect the aspects of process.

A flow chart is an illustration, which will show how to solve a problem. Flow charts are best to use for small and medium programs, while DFD's are best for complex systems. The purpose of a DFD is to understand a system without being too detailed. Flow charts are more detailed, with the purpose of analyzing and managing a program.

The DFD is often used to show the system’s data flow or where the data will be passed on to next. For example, an office employee will pass the data to the supervisor, and the data will be passed on to the manager, and so on. It can be different from a flow chart that will place in detail the process that should be followed to do a specific process.

For example, if there is a project that should be done, the flow chart will place in detail how this should be done step by step. The first step should be completed first before going on to the next level.