Flowchart is a graphical representation of a process. It is a diagram
for visually
representing processes. Each step in the flowchart is represented by a
different
symbol
and contains a short description of the process step. The flowchart
symbols
are
linked together with arrows showing the process flow direction.
It
defines the sequence of operations to be performed to get the solution
of a problem.
Flowcharts are generally drawn in the early stages of formulating
computer solutions.
Flowcharts facilitate communication between programmers and business
people. These
flowcharts play a vital role in the programming of a problem and are
quite helpful
in
understanding the logic of complicated and lengthy problems. Once the
flowchart
is
drawn, it becomes easy to write the program in any high level language.
Following are the basic symbols that used to create flowchart:
Start and End
It is an
oval shape symbols indicating the start or end of the process and
usually
containing the word "Start" or "End". It may be a rounded rectangles.
Arrow
An arrow
start from one symbol and ending at another symbol signifies flow
passes
to the
symbol the arrow point to.
Input and Output
A parallelogram indicates data input or output for a process.
Process
A
rectangular shap indicating a normal process flow step. Process may
represent
any
calculation or doing some action.
Decision/Condition
A
diamond shape represent the condition or decision, it contains a Yes/No
question
or
True/False test. It has two arrows coming out of it, one corresponding
to Yes
or True,
and one corresponding to No or False. Arrow should always be labeled.
Connector
A small, labeled, circular shape used to indicate a jump in the process flow
Example :
