In a data flow diagram, which symbol represents a data store?

In a data flow diagram, which symbol represents a data store?

• A. A pair of parallel lines
• B. A circle
• C. An arrow
• D. A square

Answer: (A)

In a data flow diagram, you distinguish elements by their symbols: data stores hold data between activities, processes transform data, data flows show movement of data, and external entities supply or receive data. The symbol for a data store is a pair of parallel lines. This visual cue communicates storage and persistence, indicating data that remains available for later use by processes. Data flows connect to these lines to show where data is stored or retrieved during the system’s operation. By contrast, a circle represents a process, an arrow represents a data flow, and a square is typically used for an external entity. So the two parallel lines accurately denote stored data, making them the correct symbol.

In a data flow diagram, you distinguish elements by their symbols: data stores hold data between activities, processes transform data, data flows show movement of data, and external entities supply or receive data. The symbol for a data store is a pair of parallel lines. This visual cue communicates storage and persistence, indicating data that remains available for later use by processes. Data flows connect to these lines to show where data is stored or retrieved during the system’s operation. By contrast, a circle represents a process, an arrow represents a data flow, and a square is typically used for an external entity. So the two parallel lines accurately denote stored data, making them the correct symbol.