In a data flow diagram, which symbol resembles a slanted polygon and represents data that is available for input or resulting from processing?

• A. Decision Symbol
• B. Processing Symbol
• C. Storage Location
• D. Input/Output Symbol

Answer: (D)

In a data flow diagram, shapes have specific meanings for how data moves. The symbol that looks like a slanted rectangle is the Input/Output symbol. It represents data that is entering the system or data that results from processing—data that is available to be input or that comes out as output. This is why it’s the best fit for the description. Other symbols serve different roles: a process symbol shows data transformation, a storage symbol shows where data is kept, and the shape used for decisions in flowcharts isn’t the same as the Input/Output symbol in DFDs.