An Introduction to Flowcharts
A flowchart is a visual representation of a process, system, or algorithm. It uses standardized shapes and arrows to map out the steps involved, making it easy to understand the flow of information and decision-making. Imagine it as a roadmap for your logic, laid out in a way that anyone can follow.
Why to use flowcharts?
Flowcharts are valuable tools because of following important reasons:
- Clarity in communication: They break down complex processes into simple, visual steps, making them easier to understand for both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Problem-solving: Flowcharts can help you identify and analyze potential problems or bottlenecks in your process.
- Planning and documentation: They provide a clear roadmap for planning and executing a process, and serve as valuable documentation for future reference.
- Improved efficiency: By visualizing the flow, you can identify areas for optimization and eliminate unnecessary steps.
- Collaboration: Flowcharts facilitate better communication and collaboration within teams, as they provide a shared understanding of the process.
Applications of flowcharts:
- Software development: Flowcharts are used to design and document algorithms and programs.
- Project management: They help plan and track projects, identifying key milestones and dependencies.
- Business analysis: They aid in understanding and documenting business processes.
- Education: They are used to teach concepts in a visual and engaging way.
Basic elements of a flowchart:
- Start/End symbol: An oval shape indicating the beginning and end of the process.
- Process/Action symbol: A rectangle outlining a specific action or step taken.
- Decision symbol: A diamond shape representing a point where a decision needs to be made, usually with two or more arrows leading out based on the possible outcomes.
- Input/Output symbol: A parallelogram signifying either data entering the process (input) or data leaving the process (output).
- Connector: Lines and arrows connecting the different symbols, showing the direction of the flow.
Flowchart Symbols: Each flowchart represents a solution to a given problem definition. It is prepared using following common symbols:
Figure: Flowchart Symbols
Basic Flowchart Template
Figure: Basic Flowchart
Explanation of Basic Flowchart Template
Step-1: Start
Step-2: Begin your process 1
Step-3: Take decision (Check some condition)
Step-4: Based on answer from Step-3, execute Process 2 or Process 3. If answer of step 3 is No, execute Process 2 and repeat Step-2, 3 and 4; otherwise execute Process 3
Step-5: End
EXAMPLE OF FLOWCHART
Flowchart Examples
3.Draw Flowchart to check Odd or Even Number.
4.Draw flowchart to display Good morning message based on given time.
5.Flowchart to print A to Z.
Flowchart to print A to Z using Raptor Tool.
Output of the Flowchart when executed
using Raptor tool:
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z,
----Run complete. 107 symbols evaluated.----
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