Hierarchy or Structure Chart

The hierarchy chart (also known as a structure chart) shows the relationship between various modules. Its name mostly comes from showing the organization (or structure) of a business, with the president of the business at the top, followed by the vice president etc., continuing down until the lowest level workers are reached. Within the context of a computer program, it shows the relationship between modules (or functions). Detailed logic of the program is not presented. It does represent the organization of the functions used within the program, showing which functions are calling on a subordinate function. Those above are calling those on the next level down, almost like how a manager orders an employee to complete a task.

Hierarchy charts are created by the programmer to help document a program. They convey the big picture of the modules (or functions) used in a program.

hierarchy chart

Conveys the relationship or big picture of the various functions in a program.

structure chart

Another name for a hierarchy chart.

• cnx.org: Programming Fundamentals – A Modular Structured Approach using C++