Flowchart

Introduction :

A flowchart is a diagrammatic representation, that illustrates the sequence of operations to be performed to arrive at the solution. The operating instructions are placed in boxes which are connected by arrows to indicate the order of execution.

Flowchart is a pictorial representation of an algorithm, it is the layout and visual representation of the plan to be followed by the corresponding algorithm.

It is a symbol oriented design that identifies the type of statement by the shape of the symbol containing the statement, and it is used as a road map for a programmer which guides how to go from the starting point to the end point.

A flowchart uses different shaped symbols to denote the different appropriate instructions and these instructions can be written within the boxes arrow using clear statements. Then these boxes are connected by lines having arrow marks to indicate the flow of operations, that is the exact sequence in which the instructions are to be executed. The process of drawing a flowchart for an algorithm is called flowcharting.

Need for Flowchart :

A flowchart uses different shaped boxes to specify the several types of instructions. The program logic is made very easy through the flowchart that have standardised meaning. Thus every programmer uses the same basic shapes, so others can easily read and interpret the logic of the program. When the programmer looks at a flowchart, it can be easily identified.

Aim of Flowcharts :

* Program preparation can be simplified using the flowchart.

* Flowcharts are easier to understand at a glance, than the narrative description of algorithm.

* Flowcharts are easy to analyze and compare various methods.

* Flowcharts assign in reviewing and debugging of a program.

* Flowcharts provide effective programming documentation.

* Using flowcharts the method of solution adopted in a problem can be quickly understood, instead of going through the tedious process of reading all the program statements.