---
title: "Flowchart vs structure chart"
subject: "Object Oriented Analysis and Design"
chapter: 1
key: "semester_6/object_oriented_analysis_and_design:flowchart-vs-structure-chart"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/object_oriented_analysis_and_design/flowchart-vs-structure-chart
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Flowchart vs structure chart

Object Oriented Analysis and Design · Chapter 1: Object Oriented Fundamentals

- Asked in: 2072 Asoj, 4 marks
- Video: [Structure Charts](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGLMqdZorDI) — Learn Learn Scratch Tutorials
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/object_oriented_analysis_and_design/flowchart-vs-structure-chart
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_6/object_oriented_analysis_and_design/chapter-1

## Question

Compare Flowchart vs. Structure chart.

## Short answer

A flowchart shows the detailed control flow (sequence and decision) of an algorithm, while a structure chart displays the hierarchical module organization with calls and data/control flags. Flowchart is for logic; structure chart for program architecture in structured design.

## Answer

A **flowchart** shows the detailed *sequence of steps and decisions* (flow of control) of one algorithm or process. A **structure chart** shows the *hierarchical organisation of the modules* of a program, i.e. which module calls which and what data passes between them.

| Point | Flowchart | Structure chart |
|---|---|---|
| Shows | Order of steps (control flow) | Module hierarchy (who calls whom) |
| Level | Detailed logic of one module | Overall architecture of the program |
| Symbols | Oval, rectangle, parallelogram (input/output), diamond, arrows | Rectangles (modules), arrows with data couples and control flags |
| Decisions | Shown with a diamond | Shown by the conditional call symbol (small diamond) |
| Data | Not emphasised | Data and control flags passed are shown |
| Sequence | Strict sequence of steps | No sequence, only call structure |
| Used in | Algorithm design, coding | Structured design (SSAD) |

```text
 Flowchart:         Structure chart:
 ( Start )               [ Main ]
     |                  /    |    \
  [ Read ]          [Read] [Calc] [Print]
     |
  < a>b ? > -- ...
```

Both belong to the structured (function-oriented) approach; OO design replaces them with sequence and class diagrams.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What does a structure chart show compared with a flowchart?
   A. Step order of one algorithm
   B. Module hierarchy: which module calls which and what data passes
   C. Database tables
   D. Object states
   Answer: B. A flowchart shows control flow of steps; a structure chart shows module organisation and data couples. (Key point: What each shows)

2. Which is true about sequence in the two charts?
   A. Flowchart has strict top-to-bottom sequence; structure chart shows only call structure
   B. Structure chart has strict sequence
   C. Neither shows sequence
   D. Flowchart shows only hierarchy
   Answer: A. Structure charts do not show the order of execution. (Key point: Sequence)

3. How are decisions and data typically shown?
   A. Flowchart: diamond, data not emphasised; structure chart: conditional call symbol, data and flags shown
   B. Flowchart: data couples; structure chart: diamond
   C. Both use diamonds
   D. Neither shows decisions
   Answer: A. A structure chart emphasises passed data and control flags. (Key point: Decisions and data)

## Related in Object Oriented Analysis and Design

- [Structural model vs implementation model](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fobject_oriented_analysis_and_design%3Astructural-vs-implementation-model) — Object Oriented Analysis and Design, chapter 1
- [Forward vs reverse engineering merits and demerits](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fobject_oriented_analysis_and_design%3Aforward-reverse-engineering-merits) — Object Oriented Analysis and Design, chapter 4, asked 3×

## Related in other subjects

- [8051 internal structure and family chart](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fembedded_system%3A8051-internal-structure-family) — Embedded System, chapter 9
- [Bar chart vs CPM/PERT as planning tool](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fconstruction_management%3Aplanning-tool-choice) — Construction Management, chapter 2, asked 3×
- [Chart vs table; bar vs pie graph](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcommunication_english%3Adifferences-chart-table-bar-pie) — Communication English, chapter 4
- [IPv6 migration; IPv4 vs IPv6 packet structure](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Finternet_and_intranet%3Aipv6-migration-router-packet) — Internet and Intranet, chapter 2