The primary tool for representing a system's component processes and the flow of data between them is the:

A data flow diagram (DFD) is a visual representation that illustrates how data moves through a system, highlighting the various processes, data stores, and data flows involved. It effectively captures how inputs are processed into outputs and the interactions between different components of the system. DFDs are particularly useful for understanding the dynamics of data within a system, making them essential for mapping out system architecture and aiding in design and analysis.

In contrast, while a data dictionary provides definitions and descriptions of data elements and their characteristics, it does not visually represent how these elements interact or flow through processes. Similarly, process specifications diagrams provide detailed information about specific processes but lack the broader context of data flow across the entire system. User documentation, on the other hand, serves primarily to guide users in utilizing the system rather than mapping out its internal data processes. Thus, the data flow diagram stands out as the primary tool for visually representing the relationships and processes within a system.