Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: A high level or less detail flowchart that shows only the major steps of a system or program
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Flowcharts are visual tools used to represent the logic and structure of systems and programs. Different levels of detail can be shown depending on the purpose of the diagram. A macro flowchart focuses on the overall structure rather than the fine details. This question checks whether you know the alternative name and typical role of a macro flowchart.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
A macro flowchart is intended to give an overview of the main processes, modules or phases in a system. It does not show individual statements or low level control structures. For that purpose, designers use detailed or micro flowcharts. Because it focuses on the big picture, a macro flowchart is often described as a high level or less detail flowchart, showing major steps and data flows without overwhelming detail.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Interpret the word macro as large scale or big picture, which suggests a summary view rather than detailed internals.
Consider what kind of flowchart would use only major blocks such as input, process and output stages or high level modules.
Recognize that such a diagram hides internal statement level complexity and therefore is a less detail representation.
Compare this to micro or detailed flowcharts, which show decisions, loops and every important statement, which is not the intention of a macro flowchart.
Select the option that explicitly mentions high level or less detail representation of the overall system structure.
Verification / Alternative check:
Many software engineering texts classify flowcharts into macro and micro forms. Macro flowcharts depict functional blocks of a system, sometimes spanning entire subsystems or programs. They are used in early design and communication with stakeholders. Micro flowcharts are introduced later to describe the internal logic of each module. This matches the description of a macro flowchart as high level or less detail.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
A very detailed flowchart that shows every statement is the opposite of macro; it is closer to a micro or detailed flowchart.
A simple detailed flowchart that expands every module is again a lower level diagram and not what macro refers to.
Macro flowcharts are not restricted to hardware logic design; they are commonly used for software and business process modeling.
Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes assume that macro means complex or difficult, which can lead them to pick options that emphasize detail. In the context of documentation, macro refers to the scale of the view, not the complexity of the notation. Always remember that macro flowcharts summarize major steps, making them easier for nontechnical stakeholders to understand.
Final Answer:
A macro flowchart is also called a high level or less detail flowchart that shows only the major steps or modules of a system.
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