Difference between DFD and Flowchart

Flowcharts and data flow diagrams (DFDs) are concepts utilized in software engineering to describe the course of a process or data step by step. Although flow charts are utilized in all fields of education and engineering, data flow diagrams are mostly used in the software business. These diagrams are designed to make the process as simple as possible. The main difference between these diagrams is that the DFD is utilized to specify the data flow in the system design, whereas the flowchart illustrates the control flow in a system. A flowchart is a simple method for organizing an explanation of a topic that may be utilized in a variety of fields of expertise. DFD is a subsequent development that is mostly utilized in software planning and design.

In this article, you will learn the difference between DFD and Flowchart. But before discussing the differences, you must know about DFD and Flowcharts with their advantages and disadvantages.

What is DFD?

DFD is an abbreviation for "Data Flow Diagram". It is a representation of the data flow through a system while it is also being processed. A diagram represents the flow of data from an external or internal source to its destination. It is a data system framework or pattern. It involves data storage, data input, and data output. It is defined as the process of receiving data as input, storing data, and delivering data as output. It specifies the data path that leads to the process's completion.

Components of Data Flow Diagram

There are various components of the data flow diagram. Some main components of the data flow diagram are as follows:

1. Entity

The entities in the DFD represent a data source or destination where the source doesn't reside inside the system. The source is an entity that provides data to the system, whereas the sink is an entity that absorbs data from the system. An entity is represented by a rectangle.

2. Process

The work of a process is to perform computation, transform data, a lead business based on rules, make decisions, etc. A process is represented by a circle that carries the process name and number.

3. Data Flow

The data flow is represented by the arrows in a DFD. Data flow is the interaction of various DFD components of a system, including entities, processes, and data stores.

4. Data Store

It is a repository that stores data for later retrieval by the same or other processes. It is represented as a rectangle with two halves, one closed and one open.

Advantages and Disadvantages of DFD

There are various advantages and disadvantages of DFD. Some advantages and disadvantages of DFD are as follows:

Advantages

1. It is a graphical representation that aids in the visualization of information.
2. Both technical and non-technical people can understand it because they are simple to grasp.
3. It is utilized as a part of the system documentation file.
4. It assists in comprehending the operation and limitations of a system.
5. It represents a detailed and well-explained diagram of system components.

Disadvantages

1. DFD take a long time to construct, so analysts are frequently refused access to work on them.
2. DFD can occasionally confuse programmers about the system.

What is Flowchart?

A flowchart is a diagrammatic representation of an algorithm. A flowchart is used to simplify a process by expressing the steps in boxes that are connected by arrows. A flow chart begins with the first step and finishes with the last step, with all tasks to be completed in the middle. A flow chart can also be utilized to troubleshoot problems by presenting solutions if an error occurs during any phase. The most significant advantage of a flow chart is that it provides an overall perspective of the process at a single glance, allowing you to comprehend it better.

Components of Flowchart

There are various components of the flowchart. Some main components of the flowchart are as follows:

1. Terminator

An oval flow chart shape denotes the beginning or finish of a process.

2. Process

A rectangular flow chart shape represents a typical process flow stage.

3. Decision

Each conditional statement is written in the diamond symbol, which can be used to ask any question with a binary response.

4. Data

It is a parallelogram-shaped box that contains the inputs and outputs. It essentially represents the information that enters the system or algorithm as well as the information that exits the system or algorithm.

5. Flow

The arrow line represents the algorithm's or process's flow, and it represents the process flow's direction.

6. On-Page Reference

The circular figure indicates that the flowchart is continuing with the next steps. It is used when there is limited space, and the flowchart is lengthy. Any numerical symbol can be found inside the circle, and that same numerical symbol will be shown before the continuation to help the user understand it.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Flowchart

There are various advantages and disadvantages of a Flowchart. Some advantages and disadvantages of Flowchart are as follows:

Advantages

1. Flowcharts are a better way to communicate the system's logic.
2. The flowchart aids in debugging and testing.
3. Flowcharts are useful for software documentation, which is required for a variety of reasons.
4. Flowcharts are quite valuable throughout the program development phase.
5. The use of a flowchart simplifies the maintenance of operational programs.
6. Using a flowchart, a problem can be more efficiently analyzed.

Disadvantages

1. If the logic needs to be changed, the flowchart must be redone, which takes a long time.
2. Flowcharts are complex to draw for large and complex programs.
3. Flowcharts are quite complex to change.
4. It lacks the necessary quantity of detail.
5. Flowcharts are extremely tough to reproduce.
6. A flowchart is not intended for human-computer communication. Only man can read the flowchart's output.

Key differences between DFD and Flowchart

Here, you will learn the key differences between DFD and Flowchart. Some main differences between the DFD and Flowchart are as follows:

1. DFD is a graphical representation of data flow across an information system that models process elements. On the other hand, a flowchart is a diagrammatic representation that depicts a solution model to a particular problem.
2. DFD is useful for complicated systems. On the other hand, a flowchart is best suited for small to medium-sized applications and is not ideal for complex systems.
3. A flowchart goes through each step sequentially. On the other hand, in DFD, the two processes can run concurrently.
4. The flowchart is a higher-level representation of the system. On the other hand, DFD offers a lower-level view.
5. There may be input/output entities in a DFD diagram. On the other hand, the flowchart may not have either input from or output to an external source.
6. The Data flow diagram illustrates the framework's utility. On the other hand, the flowchart depicts the optimal approach to make the framework operate.
7. DFDs aid in understanding the overall system without going into more detail. In contrast, flowcharts aid in the analysis, design, and management of a program.
8. A DFD addresses the logical aspect of the action. On the other hand, a flow chart deals with the physical component of the action.

Head-to-head comparison between DFD and Flowchart

Here, you will learn head-to-head comparisons between DFD and Flowchart. The main differences between DFD and Flowchart are as follows:

Conclusion

In conclusion, DFD and flowcharts are two types of diagrams that aid in software development. The primary distinction between DFD and Flowchart is that DFD is a graphical representation of a system's data flow. In contrast, a flowchart is a graphical representation of the sequence of actions to solve a problem. With a flowchart, the sequence of the process is highlighted. However, it is not the case in a DFD. The DFD processes data in parallel. However, it is not feasible in a flowchart.