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Structure Charts & HIPO Diagram

Structure charts are detailed representations of a system derived from Data Flow Diagrams, breaking down the system into functional modules and their sub-functions. They use specific symbols to depict modules, conditions, jumps, loops, data flow, and control flow. HIPO diagrams, developed by IBM, provide a hierarchical view of system functions for documentation purposes but do not illustrate data or control flow like IPO diagrams do.

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111 views5 pages

Structure Charts & HIPO Diagram

Structure charts are detailed representations of a system derived from Data Flow Diagrams, breaking down the system into functional modules and their sub-functions. They use specific symbols to depict modules, conditions, jumps, loops, data flow, and control flow. HIPO diagrams, developed by IBM, provide a hierarchical view of system functions for documentation purposes but do not illustrate data or control flow like IPO diagrams do.

Uploaded by

kadiibendera25
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Structure Charts

Structure chart is a chart derived from Data Flow Diagram. It represents the system in more
detail than DFD. It breaks down the entire system into lowest functional modules, describes
functions and sub-functions of each module of the system to a greater detail than DFD.

Structure chart represents hierarchical structure of modules. At each layer a specific task is
performed.

Here are the symbols used in construction of structure charts -

 Module - It represents process or subroutine or task. A control module branches to


more than one sub-module. Library Modules are re-usable and invokable from any
module.

 Condition - It is represented by small diamond at the base of module. It depicts that


control module can select any of sub-routine based on some condition.

 Jump - An arrow is shown pointing inside the module to depict that the control will
jump in the middle of the sub-module.
 Loop - A curved arrow represents loop in the module. All sub-modules covered by loop
repeat execution of module.

 Data flow - A directed arrow with empty circle at the end represents data flow.

 Control flow - A directed arrow with filled circle at the end represents control flow.

Let's look at an example. Here is a sample piece of pseudocode that we will turn into a structure chart :
HIPO Diagram
HIPO (Hierarchical Input Process Output) diagram is a combination of two organized method
to analyze the system and provide the means of documentation. HIPO model was developed
by IBM in year 1970.

HIPO diagram represents the hierarchy of modules in the software system. Analyst uses
HIPO diagram in order to obtain high-level view of system functions. It decomposes
functions into sub-functions in a hierarchical manner. It depicts the functions performed by
system.

HIPO diagrams are good for documentation purpose. Their graphical representation makes it
easier for designers and managers to get the pictorial idea of the system structure.

In contrast to IPO
(Input Process Output) diagram, which depicts the flow of control and data in a module,
HIPO does not provide any information about data flow or control flow.

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