Systems and Program Mapping Tools

 In computer programming:

Systems and Program Mapping Tools are ways to relay the inner workings of a program or system by means of a chart, diagram, or illustration so it can be better understood and/or planned.  These tools, which I will be discussing in this blog, are: system flowcharts, structure charts, and detail program logic.

System flowcharts use a diagram to explain how a system works.  They show all inputs and outputs of each module within a program as well as the processes in which data is manipulated by modules and how each module is connected.  System flowcharts are nontechnical, easy to understand, visual representations of a system that even a novice programmer can grasp.

Structure charts are charts that map out the design of a program.  They contain all modules of a program arranged in a tree like structure.  Each module is contained in a box labeled by the module’s name.  The tree structure represents the relationship between each module.  Structure charts are constructed during the design process and commonly referred to during development.  It is used as a master “blueprint” of a program.

Detail Program Logic
 is a chart showing the flow of logic throughout the program’s modules along with branching logic and where these branches go to and from in the program.  Detailed program logic helps explain the implementation of logic on different variables within the program.  It also shows how logic would flow based on different conditions within the program.

These three tools help aid a programmer in the design, development, and problem solving during the process of designing a program.

In the real world:

Diagrams are used for planning many different things in the real world.  When a businessman is trying to start a business and is looking for investors, they will draw up a number of diagrams to explain what the business is about, how the business will work, and how the business will turn a profit.  Using diagrams in a business proposal has the same goal as in computer programming, to simplify the message of what is going on and what the goal is.

Another real world example is when architects draft blueprints of houses, business structures, bridges, skyscrapers, etc.  When architects create blueprints, they work on many different levels to describe how the building will be constructed.  Blueprints explain what the exterior will look like as well as the interior workings of the building including: pluming, electrical, support structures, insulation, etc.

A family tree is a good example visually of how a structure chart is composed.  Like a structure chart, a family tree uses branching, resembles a tree like structure, and represents the relationships between each person.  Just as a structure chart represents the structure of a computer program and the relationships between modules of that program, a family tree represents the structure of a family and the relationships between people in the family.

Another great example of a diagram outside of computer programming that is similar to the diagrams used as systems and program mapping tools are wiring schematic diagrams.  Wiring schematic diagrams are created for all electronic components and describe how the flow of electricity is used in the electronic device.  It shows all of its components, how much power is flowing through the circuits, etc.