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Algorithm and Flowchart

It is note of introduction to it system

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gourangamalla741
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34 views

Algorithm and Flowchart

It is note of introduction to it system

Uploaded by

gourangamalla741
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Definition of Algorithm

The word algorithm means ” A set of finite rules or instructions to be


followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations ”
Or
” A procedure for solving a mathematical problem in a finite number of
steps that frequently involves recursive operations”.

Use of the Algorithms:


Algorithms play a crucial role in various fields and have many
applications. Some of the key areas where algorithms are used include:
1. Computer Science: Algorithms form the basis of computer
programming and are used to solve problems ranging from simple
sorting and searching to complex tasks such as artificial intelligence
and machine learning.
2. Mathematics: Algorithms are used to solve mathematical problems,
such as finding the optimal solution to a system of linear equations or
finding the shortest path in a graph.
3. Operations Research: Algorithms are used to optimize and make
decisions in fields such as transportation, logistics, and resource
allocation.
4. Artificial Intelligence: Algorithms are the foundation of artificial
intelligence and machine learning, and are used to develop intelligent
systems that can perform tasks such as image recognition, natural
language processing, and decision-making.
5. Data Science: Algorithms are used to analyze, process, and extract
insights from large amounts of data in fields such as marketing,
finance, and healthcare.

What are the Characteristics of an Algorithm?

Properties of Algorithm:
 It should terminate after a finite time.
 It should produce at least one output.
 It should take zero or more input.
 It should be deterministic means giving the same output for the same
input case.
 Every step in the algorithm must be effective i.e. every step should do
some work.
Advantages of Algorithms:
 It is easy to understand.
 An algorithm is a step-wise representation of a solution to a given
problem.
 In an Algorithm the problem is broken down into smaller pieces or
steps hence, it is easier for the programmer to convert it into an actual
program.
Disadvantages of Algorithms:
 Writing an algorithm takes a long time so it is time-consuming.
 Understanding complex logic through algorithms can be very difficult.
 Branching and Looping statements are difficult to show in Algorithms.

An introduction to Flowcharts:-
Flowchart is a graphical representation of an algorithm. Programmers
often use it as a program-planning tool to solve a problem. It makes use of
symbols which are connected among them to indicate the flow of
information and processing.
The process of drawing a flowchart for an algorithm is known as
“flowcharting”.

Basic Symbols used in Flowchart Designs


1. Terminal: The oval symbol indicates Start, Stop and Halt in a
program’s logic flow. A pause/halt is generally used in a program logic
under some error conditions. Terminal is the first and last symbols in
the flowchart.

 Input/Output: A parallelogram denotes any function of input/output


type. Program instructions that take input from input devices and
display output on output devices are indicated with parallelogram in a
flowchart.
 Processing: A box represents arithmetic instructions. All arithmetic
processes such as adding, subtracting, multiplication and division are
indicated by action or process symbol.

 Decision:- Diamond symbol represents a decision point. Decision


based operations such as yes/no question or true/false are indicated
by diamond in flowchart.

 Connectors: Whenever flowchart becomes complex or it spreads over


more than one page, it is useful to use connectors to avoid any
confusions. It is represented by a circle.
 Flow lines: Flow lines indicate the exact sequence in which
instructions are executed. Arrows represent the direction of flow of
control and relationship among different symbols of flowchart.

Advantages of Flowchart:
 Flowcharts are a better way of communicating the logic of the system.
 Flowcharts act as a guide for blueprint during program designed.
 Flowcharts help in debugging process.
 With the help of flowcharts programs can be easily analysed.
 It provides better documentation.
 Flowcharts serve as a good proper documentation.
 Easy to trace errors in the software.
 Easy to understand.
 The flowchart can be reused for inconvenience in the future.
 It helps to provide correct logic.

Disadvantages of Flowchart:
 It is difficult to draw flowcharts for large and complex programs.
 There is no standard to determine the amount of detail.
 Difficult to reproduce the flowcharts.
 It is very difficult to modify the Flowchart.
 Making a flowchart is costly.
 Some developer thinks that it is waste of time.
 It makes software processes low.
 If changes are done in software, then the flowchart must be redrawn

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