Flowcharts
Flowcharts
Flowcharts
Meaning
A flowchart is a graphical representation of an algorithm. These flowcharts play a vital role in the
programming of a problem and are quite helpful in understanding the logic of complicated and lengthy
problems. Once the flowchart is drawn, it becomes easy to write the program in any high level language.
Often we see how flowcharts are helpful in explaining the program to others. Hence, it is correct to say that
a flowchart is a must for the better documentation of a complex program.
2.Representation
Flowcharts are usually drawn using some standard symbols; however,
Start or end of the program
Computational steps or processing function of a program
Input or output operation
Decision making and branching
Connector or joining of two parts of program
or
Only one flow line should enter a decision symbol, but two or three flow lines, one for each possible
answer, should leave the decision symbol.
If the flowchart becomes complex, it is better to use connector symbols to reduce the number of flow lines.
Avoid the intersection of flow lines if you want to make it more effective and better way of communication.
Ensure that the flowchart has a logical start and finish.
It is useful to test the validity of the flowchart by passing through it with a simple test data.
5.Example of a flowchart:
1) Let assume two statments
Statment1: X=y+z
Statment2: Y=z*10
2) Write an algorithm and draw the flowchart for finding the average of two numbers
START
INPUT x
INPUT
y
Sum = x + y
Average = sum/2
PRINT
Average
END
START
END
5) Loop