Question

What are the differences between data flow diagrams and Flowcharts?  What are their roles in IS?

Answer 1

1. What are the differences between flowcharts & data flow diagrams? What are their Roles in IS?

Answer:

Flowchart	Data Flow Diagram
Flow chart presents steps to complete a process.	DFD Presents the Flow of Data.
Flow Chart does not have any input from or output to an external source.	DFD describes the path of data from an external source to internal source or vice versa.
The timing & sequence of the process is aptly shown by a flowchart.	Whether processing of data is taking place in a particular order or several processes are taking place simultaneously is described by a DFD.
Flow Chart shows how to make a system function.	DFD define the functionality of a system.
Flowchart is used in designing a process.	DFD is used to describe the path of data that will complete that process.
Types of Flow chart – System, Data & Program.	Types of DFD – Physical Data flow & Logical Data flow.

A flow chart, or flow diagram, is a graphical representation of a process or system that details the sequencing of steps required to create output. A typical flow chart uses a set of basic symbols to represent various functions, and shows the sequence and interconnection of functions with lines and arrows.

A DFD shows what kind of information will be input to and output from the system, how the data will advance through the system, and where the data will be stored. It does not show information about process timing or whether processes will operate in sequence or in parallel, unlike a traditional structured flowchart which focuses on control flow, or a UML activity workflow diagram, which presents both control and data flows as a unified model.