FLOW CHART
Introduction
Flow chart is one of the programming tools used to document an algorithm.
Flowchart uses different symbols to design a solution to a problem.
Flowchart is often considered as a blueprint of a design used for solving a specific problem.
The main purpose of flowchart is making the logic of the program clear in a visual
representation.
Definition
Flowchart is a diagrammatic/graphical representation of the logic (sequence of steps) to
solve a problem
Standard Symbols used to draw a flowchart
Rules for drawing a flowchart
1. The flowchart should be clear, neat and easy to follow.
2. The flowchart must have a logical start and finish.
3. Flowchart can have only one start and one finish symbol
4. On-page connectors are referenced using numbers
5. Off-page connectors are referenced using alphabets
6. General flow of processes is top to bottom or left to right
7. Only one flow line should come out from a process symbol.
8. Only one flow line should enter a decision symbol. However, two or three flow lines
may leave the decision symbol.
9. Only one flow line is used with a terminal symbol.
10. Within standard symbols, write briefly and precisely.
11. Intersection of flow lines should be avoided.
Advantages of flowchart:
1. Communication: - Flowcharts are better way of communicating the logic of a system
to all concerned.
2. Effective analysis: - With the help of flowchart, problem can be analyzed in
more effective way.
3. Proper documentation: - Program flowcharts serve as a good
program documentation, which is needed for various purposes.
4. Efficient Coding: - The flowcharts act as a guide or blueprint during the
systems analysis and program development phase.
5. Proper Debugging: - The flowchart helps in debugging process.
6. Efficient Program Maintenance: - The maintenance of operating program becomes
easy with the help of flowchart. It helps the programmer to put efforts more
efficiently on that part.
Disadvantages of flow chart:
1. Complex logic: - Sometimes, the program logic is quite complicated. In that
case, flowchart becomes complex and clumsy.
2. Alterations and Modifications: - If alterations are required the flowchart
may require re-drawing completely.
3. Reproduction: - As the flowchart symbols cannot be typed, reproduction
of flowchart becomes a problem.
4. Cost: For large application the time and cost of flowchart drawing becomes costly.
Examples
1. Draw a flowchart to find the average of marks obtained by a student in three subjects
Input – Marks of 3 subjects
Tasks to be performed: Calculating average
Expected output: Average of marks
2.Draw a flowchart to check the grade (Pass/Fail) of the student
3.Draw a flowchart to input two numbers from the user and display the largest of two
numbers
