Flowchart

Flowchart Theory

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