Data flow diagrams (DFDs) show how information moves through a system. They use four core elements: external entities (sources/sinks of data), processes (transformations), data stores, and data flows (arrows). DFDs are used in systems analysis, security threat modeling, and software design to understand data lifecycle. viz42 generates both context-level (Level 0) and detailed (Level 1+) DFDs.
You can create context diagrams (Level 0) and detailed diagrams (Level 1 and beyond) by adjusting the detail in your prompt. Start broad, then ask for decomposition of specific processes.
Yes. DFDs with trust boundaries are the standard starting point for STRIDE threat modeling. Describe your security boundaries in the prompt for best results.
DFDs focus specifically on how data moves and transforms between entities and stores. Flowcharts focus on the sequence of steps and decisions in a process.