Stored Data Shape

The Stored Data shape represents data stored in files or sequential storage media. It's used for file-based storage operations.

What is a Stored Data Shape?

The Stored Data shape represents:

• File storage operations
• Sequential data files
• Saved files (JSON, XML, CSV, etc.)
• File system operations
• Archived data
• Log files

According to ISO 5807, this shape indicates stored data in sequential access storage (files).

When to Use

Use the Stored Data shape for:

• File operations: "Save to JSON file", "Load CSV data"
• Log files: "Write to log file", "Read error log"
• Configuration: "Load config.json", "Save preferences"
• Data export: "Export to Excel", "Save as XML"
• Backups: "Backup data to file", "Archive records"

Visual Appearance

In DiagramKit.AI, the Stored Data shape appears as:

• Dimensions: 160×80 pixels
• Color: Light green (#ecfdf5)
• Border: Green (#10b981)
• Shape: Rectangle with curved right edge

Best Practices

✅ Good Usage

[Query database]
   ↓
[Format as JSON]
   ↓
[Save to data.json file]
   ↓
[Upload to cloud storage]
   ↓
[End]

• Specify file type (JSON, CSV, XML)
• Include filename when relevant
• Use "Save", "Load", "Write" verbs
• Indicate file operations clearly

❌ Avoid

• ❌ Database: "Save to database" (use Database shape)
• ❌ Documents: "Print invoice" (use Document shape)
• ❌ Processing: "Parse JSON" (use Process)
• ❌ Too vague: "Storage" (what kind?)

Common Examples

Example 1: Data Export

[Generate report data]
   ↓
[Format as CSV]
   ↓
[Save to reports.csv file]
   ↓
[Send email with
 attachment]

Example 2: Configuration

[Start application]
   ↓
[Load config.json file]
   ↓
<File exists?>
  ↙         ↘
Yes         No
 ↓           ↓
[Parse    [Create
 config]   default
           config file]

Example 3: Logging

[Error occurs]
   ↓
[Format error message]
   ↓
[Append to error.log file]
   ↓
[Continue processing]

AI Prompt Tips

add stored data step to save JSON
insert file operation to load CSV
create stored data for config file

Related Shapes

• Database - For database operations
• Document - For printed documents
• Data I/O - For general I/O
• Cloud - For cloud storage