Method for automatically converting a data flow description of a source

Abstract

A method of converting with the aid of a computer a data flow description chart containing a plurality of process elements each receiving a plurality of inputs and outputting one or plural data according to the result of processing and data lines interconnecting the plural process elements into a function design chart showing an outline of the data flow. A source program list corresponding to the data flow description chart is inputted to the computer. A statements analyzing program then consults a first description rule table prepared previously to thereby convert each statement of the source program describing the relation between each of the process elements and the plural input information inputted to each process element into an output data record including a graphic symbol to be displayed on the function design chart and comment. The comment imparted to each graphic symbol of the process element is the respresentative input information of those inputted to the process element. When the input information originates in other process element, a second description rule table prepared previously is then referred to for searching the source process element in which the input information originates. The name of the inherent information found as the result of the search constitutes the comment. Each output data record is added with linkage information between the process elements in consideration of the representative data governing the execution of each process element. A drawing program draws the function design chart on the basis of the output data records.