What is a Flowchart?
Flowchart is a graphical representation of an algorithm. Programmers often use it as a program-planning tool to solve a problem. It makes use of symbols which are connected among them to indicate the flow of information and processing. The process of drawing a flowchart for an algorithm is known as “Flowcharting”.
Basic symbols used in Flowchart design-
Terminal- The oval symbol indicates Start, Stop and Halt in a program’s logic flow. A pause/halt is generally used in a program logic under some error conditions. Terminal is the first and last symbols in the flowchart.
Input/Output- A parallelogram denotes any function of input/output type. Program instructions that take input from input devices and display output on output devices are indicated with parallelogram in a flowchart.
Processing- A box represents arithmetic instructions. All arithmetic processes such as adding, subtracting, multiplication and division are indicated by action or process symbol.
Decision- Diamond symbol represents a decision point. Decision based operations such as yes/no question or true/false are indicated by diamond in flowchart.
Connectors- Whenever flowchart becomes complex or it spreads over more than one page, it is useful to use connectors to avoid any confusions. It is represented by a circle.
Flow lines- Flow lines indicate the exact sequence in which instructions are executed. Arrows represent the direction of flow of control and relationship among different symbols of flowchart.
Advantages of Flowchart-
- Flowcharts are better way of communicating the logic of system.
- Flowcharts act as a guide for blueprint during program designed.
- Flowcharts helps in debugging process.
- With the help of flowcharts programs can be easily analyzed.
- Flowcharts serve as a good proper documentation.
Disadvantages of Flowchart-
- It is difficult to draw flowchart for large and complex programs.
- In this their is no standard to determine the amount of detail.
- It is very difficult to modify the Flowchart.
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