What is a Flowchart?

In this article, we want to provide a brief and informative overview of the flowchart.

A flowchart is a graphical representation of a process, algorithm, program, or system, which uses different shapes and symbols to illustrate the steps or actions involved in the process. It is a visual tool used to communicate complex ideas or concepts in a simple and clear way, making it easier to understand and follow. Flowcharts are commonly used in software development, engineering, business, education, and other fields to help break down complex systems or processes into smaller, more manageable parts.

How to draw a flowchart?

I can elaborate on it as the Flowchart is a symbolic or diagrammatic representation of an algorithm. It uses several geometrical figures to represent the operations, and arrows to show the direction of flow.

It’s a type of diagram created using predefined, meaningful shapes to denote the process flow like Start, End, Input, output, process, etc.

So, the flowchart is a pictorial representation of the sequence of operations necessary with a computer. The first formal flowchart is attributed to John Von Neuman in 1945.

How to Read it?

To read a Flowchart, you need to follow the direction from left to right and top to bottom. Each symbol used to create a flowchart have its own meaning. As the oval shape denotes both the starting and end of the flowchart.

A flowchart can be used for different purposes but here we will discuss the use of a flowchart to explain the steps of computer programs. In such cases, it will show the sequence of instructions in a program or subroutine.

The symbols used in constructing a flowchart are simple and easy to learn. These are very important planning and working tools in programming.

Symbols used in Flowchart

There are only a few symbols available that are used to create flowcharts to show necessary operations. Each of these symbols has a specific meaning and function in a flowchart. These symbols are standardized by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Rules to use flowchart symbols:

  • Use the symbols for their specific purpose.

  • Be consistent in the use of symbols

  • Be clear in drawing the flowchart and the entries in the symbol.

  • Use the annotation symbol when beginning a procedure.

  • Enter and exit the symbol in the same way.

6 Basic Flowchart symbols for creating a Flowchart

There are many symbols used for creating a flowchart but If you are a beginner and want to learn about flowchart symbols. Then you can start with the six most important flowchart symbols which are basically used to draw simple flowcharts.

Here are the six basic flowchart symbols:

  1. The Oval: This oval is also called the terminator which is used to denote the beginning or end of a flowchart.

  2. The Rhombus: This symbol is used to denote the input or output that represents the values to be given by the user and the results to be displayed.

  3. The Rectangle: This symbol is used to denote any process or execution of arithmetic operations to compute a value.

  4. The Diamond: This symbol is used to show the requirement of a decision needed to be taken in a flowchart. That means it shows the logical checking to decide the flow of the sequence.

  5. The Circle: This symbol is used as a connector between flow lines to represent the continuity of the flowchart in another place or page.

  6. The Arrow: This symbol shows the direction of flow.

Example: Draw a flowchart to input two numbers from the user and display the largest of two numbers

# Python program to find largest of two numbers
 
# Input two numbers
num1 = int(input("Enter first number: "))
num2 = int(input("Enter second number: "))
 
# Check whether num1 is greater than num2 or not
if num1 > num2:
    max_num = num1
else:
    max_num = num2
 
# Print the largest number
print("The largest number is:", max_num)

Output

Enter two numbers:
10 30
30

Advantages and Disadvantages of Flowchart

Flowchart has many advantages, but although it has many advantages, it also has disadvantages:

Advantages of Flowchart:

  • Flowcharts are a better way of communicating the logic of the system.

  • Flowcharts act as a guide for blueprint during program designed.

  • Flowcharts help in debugging process.

  • With the help of flowcharts programs can be easily analyzed.

  • It provides better documentation.

  • Flowcharts serve as a good proper documentation.

  • Easy to trace errors in the software.

  • Easy to understand.

  • The flowchart can be reused for inconvenience in the future.

  • It helps to provide correct logic.

Disadvantages of Flowchart:

  • It is difficult to draw flowcharts for large and complex programs.

  • There is no standard to determine the amount of detail.

  • Difficult to reproduce the flowcharts.

  • It is very difficult to modify the Flowchart.

  • Making a flowchart is costly.

  • Some developer thinks that it is waste of time.

  • It makes software processes low.

  • If changes are done in software, then the flowchart must be redrawn

Conclusion

In conclusion flowchart is a visual representation of a process or system that uses symbols and arrows to show the flow of information and activities. The primary purpose of a flowchart is to simplify complex processes, communicate information to different stakeholders, establish standard procedures, and identify inefficiencies or problems for process improvement. While flowcharts offer many advantages such as simplification, ease of understanding, communication, standardization, and problem-solving, they also have a few disadvantages, such as being time-consuming, limited information, ambiguity, technical skills, and rigidity. Nonetheless, flowcharts remain an essential tool for process improvement, problem-solving, and communication across different industries and disciplines.

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