Flowchart

 

What is a Flowchart?

A flowchart is a graphical representation of an algorithm or a process, using different symbols to denote various types of operations, decisions, or flows of control. It visually outlines the steps of a task or process in a logical order, helping people understand how a particular task is to be carried out.

Each symbol in a flowchart represents a specific type of action.One reason why flowcharts are so popular is because they use standardized shapes that almost anyone can instantly recognize.


Here are the seven  most common shapes used in a flowchart.
  • Ovals represent the start and end of the process..
  • Rectangles represent processes or instructions.
  • Diamonds represent decision points (e.g., yes/no or true/false choices).
  • Parallelogram represent input output symbol.
  • Arrows represent the flow of control from one step to the next.
  • Circle on-page connector
  • Five pointed polygon off-page connector


How Flowcharts Help in Program Development

Visualizing the Problem: Flowcharts provide a clear and organized visual representation of the steps involved in solving a problem, making it easier to understand complex processes.

Designing the Algorithm: They help in designing the logical flow of an algorithm, including sequencing, decision-making, and loops, ensuring a structured approach.

Code Planning: Flowcharts act as a blueprint for writing code, providing a clear structure that can be easily translated into program instructions.

Error Prevention: They allow developers to spot logical errors, missing steps, or inefficiencies in the algorithm before actual coding begins.

Debugging and Testing: Flowcharts guide debugging by allowing developers to trace the logical flow and identify issues. They also help in generating comprehensive test cases by covering all possible paths.

Team Communication: Flowcharts improve communication among team members and stakeholders, ensuring everyone has a common understanding of the process.

Documentation and Maintenance: Flowcharts serve as documentation, making it easier for future developers to understand and modify the program.

Optimization: By visually analyzing the process, developers can identify opportunities to simplify or optimize the code for better performance.

In summary, flowcharts provide clarity, structure, and efficiency throughout the program development lifecycle.

Advanced symbols used in Flowchart


Pic Courtesy: conceptdraw.com

Summary

Flowcharts are a powerful tool in program development. They guide developers through problem understanding, algorithm design, coding, debugging, and optimization. By using flowcharts, developers can approach complex problems more systematically and produce better-structured, efficient, and error-free code.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Algorithmic Thinking with Python UCEST 105- KTU First Semester BTech Course 2024 scheme notes pdf - Dr Binu V P 9847390760

About Me - Dr Binu V P, Head of the Department -CS,Model Engineering College -IHRD, Cochin Algorithmic Thinking with Python KTU S1 2024 scheme - course details and syllabus Algorithmic Thinking with Python - Textbook About NASSCOM Digital 101 Course - KTU 2024 Scheme Model Question Paper UCEST 105 Algorithmic Thinking with Python-University UCEST 105 Algorithmic Thinking with Python - University Model Question Paper and Answer Key UCEST 105 Algorithmic Thinking with Python - KTU University Question Paper and Answer Key Why Python Introduction to Python How to work with Python Sample Class Room Exercises Laboratory Details Basic Linux Commands Lab Experiments and Solutions  ( mandatory programs) Lab Record Lab Cycle-1 Lab Cycle-2 Lab Cycle-3 Lab Cycle-4 Lab Cycle-5 Lab Cycle-6 Module-I Problem and Computer Programming Problem Problem Solving Strategies Heuristic Method Heuristic Method- Examples ( tutorial discussion) Trial and Error Trial and Error- Examples ( tutorial discussion)...
Read more

Lab Experiments and Solutions - Algorithmic thinking with Python KTU S1 2024 scheme

 LAB Experiments:  1. Simple desktop calculator using Python. Only the five basic arithmetic operators. 2. Create, concatenate, and print a string and access a sub-string from a given string. 3. Familiarize time and date in various formats (Eg. “Thu Jul 11 10:26:23 IST 2024”). 4. Write a program to create, append, and remove elements in  lists.( using Numpy array also) 5. Program to find the largest of three numbers. 6. Convert temperature values back and forth between Celsius (c), and Fahrenheit (f). [Formula: °C = (°F - 32) × 5/9] 7. Program to construct patterns of stars (*), using a nested for loop. 8. A program that prints prime numbers less than N. 9. Program to find the factorial of a number using Recursion. 10. Recursive function to add two positive numbers. 11. Recursive function to multiply two positive numbers. 12. Recursive function to find the greatest common divisor of two positive numbers. 13. A program that accepts the lengths of three sides of a triangle ...
Read more

UCEST 105 Lab Cycle - 1

Image
Learning outcome: Understand Different Data Types and type conversions. Explore input() and print() statement. Apply the operators ( arithmetic, relational ,logical , bitwise and membership operators) and explore precedence and associativity. Learn to import packages and use various functions. Apply if-else, if-elif and match-case statements. Learn to use strings and string functions in python Understand various primitive data types used in Python by creating variables of different data type and print their type using type() function before trying the programs. 1. Implement Simple desktop calculator using Python. ( learn arithmetic operators, membership operators and  if,  if-elif statement, do the program using match case) 2. Create, concatenate, and print a string and access a sub-string from a given string. ( learn string, string operators) 3. Familiarize time and date in various formats (Eg. “Thu Jul 11 10:26:23 IST 2024”).( learn to use package) Print the current date in ...
Read more