The term “DFD” stands for?

A Data Flow Diagram (DFD) is a standard graphical modeling notation used in structured systems analysis. It shows how data moves through a system — where it originates, which processes transform it, where it is stored, and where it exits — without depicting control flow, sequencing, or program logic.

The stem asks for the full form of the acronym “DFD” as used in systems analysis and design. Expanding each letter — D(ata) F(low) D(iagram) — and matching it to standard SDLC vocabulary picks out the option that names this exact modeling tool.

• “Data flow diagram” — matches the expansion letter-for-letter (Data, Flow, Diagram) and names the standard structured-analysis notation for modeling data movement using processes, data stores, external entities, and flows.

• “Data file diagram” — replaces “flow” with “file”; this does not match the acronym's second letter (F stands for Flow, not File) and is not a recognized SDLC modeling term.

• “Data flow document” — replaces “diagram” with “document”; this does not match the acronym's third letter (D stands for Diagram, not Document) and describes a textual artifact rather than a graphical model.

• “None of the above” — incorrect since a standard, letter-matching expansion (Data Flow Diagram) is present among the options.

Hence, DFD stands for Data Flow Diagram.