Algorithms & Flowcharts

Algorithm is a list of instructions for carrying out some

process step by step. In the same way, algorithm executed by a computer can combine millions of elementary steps, such as additions, and subtractions, into a complicated mathematical calculation.

Example

1+1 = 2

One plus one is equal to two

Algorithms & Flowcharts

Flowchart
is a diagram representing the logical sequence in which a combination of steps or operations is to be performed. It is consists of labeled geometrical symbols that are interconnected to provide a pictorial representation of a data processing procedure. To the programmer, a flowchart is a kind of an all-purpose tool. In is the blueprint of a program.

Algorithms & Flowcharts

Advantages And Limitations Of Flowcharts Advantages: 1. Since flowcharts are language-independent, they can be learned and applied without formal knowledge of a programming language. 2. It enforces users to give attention to significant matters over the less significant ones. 3. Being graphically portrayed, flowcharts provide an alternative to the usual narrative description of a system or a program. 4. Flowcharts are easier to understand than a program written in a particular programming language.

Algorithms & Flowcharts

Advantages And Limitations Of Flowcharts Limitations: 1. Flowcharts do not represent a programming language and are more of a person-to-person than a person-to-computer means of communication. A computer cannot accept a program described in flowcharting form. 2. Since thinking in graphic terms is not normal, flowcharts cannot be viewed as a natural means of communication. 3. Certain details often require a long sequence of interconnected symbols which could easily be described in just a few lines of explanation. 4. It does not convey why a given set of operations is made. Flowchart charts only portray how. 5. Flowcharts do not highlight the important details since each step receives as much attention in a flowchart as any other.

Algorithms & Flowcharts

Types Of Flowcharts
The major types of flowcharts are the program and the system flowcharts: 1. Program Flowchart A program flowchart describes graphically in detail the logical operations and steps within a program and the sequence in which these steps are to be executed for the transformation of data to produce the needed output. 2. System Flowchart a system flowchart is a graphic representation of the procedures involved in converting data on input media to data in output form.

Algorithms & Flowcharts

Flowcharting Symbols
The given symbols conform to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and American National Standard. 1. Input/Output Symbols (Parallelogram) the input / output symbols represents an instruction to an input or output device.

2. Processing Symbols (Rectangle) this symbol is used to represent a group of program instructions that perform a processing function of the program such as to perform arithmetic operations, or to compare, sort, etc.

Algorithms & Flowcharts

Flowcharting Symbols
The given symbols conform to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and American National Standard. 3. Decision Symbol (Diamond) this diamond-shaped box denotes a point in the program where more than one path can be taken. It is used to document points in the program where, based upon variables condition, a branch to alternative paths is possible. 4. Preparation Symbol (Hexagon) this symbol is used to represent an instruction of group of instructions that will alter, or modify a programs course of execution.

Algorithms & Flowcharts

Flowcharting Symbols
The given symbols conform to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and American National Standard. 5. Terminal Symbol (Oval) the terminal symbol is used to designate the beginning and the end of the program, or point of interruption.

6. Predefined Process Symbol (Rectangle with two Vertical Bars) this symbol is a specialized process symbol that represents a name operation of programmed step not explicitly detailed in the program flowchart.

Algorithms & Flowcharts

Flowcharting Symbols
The given symbols conform to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and American National Standard. 7. On-page Connector (Small Circle) this is a no processing symbol which is used to connect one part of a flowchart to another without drawing lines.

8. Flow Direction Indicators ( Arrowheads) are used to show the direction of processing of data flow.

Algorithms & Flowcharts

Flowcharting Symbols
The given symbols conform to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and American National Standard. 9. Off-page Connector (Small Pentagon) this type of connector is used instead of the on-page connector to designate entry to or exit from a page when a flowchart requires more than one page. 10. Flow lines ( Horizontal / Vertical lines). flow lines are used to show reading order or sequence in which flowchart symbols are to be read.

Algorithms & Flowcharts

start

Go to work A end Take a coffee break B Go Home Y

Is it time to go home? Is the boss looking ?

N A Y

Do Some Work