A flowchart is a visual or graphical representation of a process or system. It typically consists of a series of shapes connected by lines or arrows, with each shape representing a specific step in the process and the lines or arrows indicating the flow or sequence of steps. Flowcharts are commonly used in business, engineering, and other fields to document, analyze, and improve processes and systems. They can also be used to map out decision-making processes, outline a business plan, or plan a project. It provides a clear and visual representation of the steps involved in the program, process, or system, making it easier to understand and follow. Flowcharts can also be used to identify potential bottlenecks or inefficiencies in a process and suggest improvements.
The standard symbols used in flowcharts are rectangles, diamonds, ovals, and arrows. Rectangles represent processes or actions, diamonds represent decision points, ovals represent start and end points, and arrows represent the flow of the process or the sequence of steps. These symbols are used to create a visual representation of a process or system, making it easier to understand and communicate.
Oval shape
An oval shape is a closed curve that is symmetrical about its major and minor axes. It is often used in flowcharts to represent the start or end of a process or operation.
Here is an example of how an oval shape might be used in a flowchart: Oval Shape
Start
+--------+
| |
| Process|
| |
+--------+
End
In this example, the oval shape represents the starting and ending points of the process, with the process itself represented by the rectangle in the middle. The arrow indicates the flow of the process, showing that it starts at the oval on the left and ends at the oval on the right.
Parellelogram
A parallelogram is a quadrilateral with opposite sides that are parallel and equal in length. It is not a standard symbol used in flowcharts, but it could potentially be used to represent a process or action in a flowchart.
Here is an example of how a parallelogram might be used in a flowchart:
+----------------+
| |
| Process |
| |
+----------------+
+-----+
| |
| |
| |
+-----+
In this example, the parallelogram represents the process, and the rectangle below it represents an action or decision that is related to the process. The arrow indicates the flow of the process, showing that it proceeds from the parallelogram to the rectangle.
It is important to note that the use of a parallelogram in a flowchart is not a standard convention, and it may not be immediately recognizable to everyone who reads the flowchart. It is generally best to stick with the standard symbols when creating flowcharts to ensure that they are clear and easy to understand.
Rectangle
A rectangle is a standard symbol used in flowcharts to represent a process or action. It is a flat shape with four straight sides and four right angles, and it is typically used to represent a step in a process or a task that needs to be performed.
Here is an example of how a rectangle might be used in a flowchart:
+----------------+
| |
| Process |
| |
+----------------+
+-----+
| |
| |
| |
+-----+
In this example, the rectangle represents the process, and the rectangle below it represents an action or decision that is related to the process. The arrow indicates the flow of the process, showing that it proceeds from the rectangle at the top to the rectangle at the bottom.
The rectangle is a versatile symbol that can be used in a variety of different contexts in a flowchart. It is commonly used to represent a process or action, but it can also be used to represent a function, a subroutine, or any other step in a process or system.
Diamond
A diamond is a standard symbol used in flowcharts to represent a decision point. It is a flat shape with four straight sides and four right angles, and it is typically used to represent a branching point in a process where a decision needs to be made.
Here is an example of how a diamond might be used in a flowchart:
+----------------+
| |
| Process |
| |
+----------------+
+-----+
| ? |
| |
| |
+-----+
In this example, the diamond represents a decision point in the process. The process proceeds from the rectangle at the top to the diamond, and then branches out based on the decision that is made at the diamond. The arrows on either side of the diamond represent the different paths that the process can take, depending on the decision that is made.
The diamond is a powerful symbol in flowcharts because it allows you to represent complex branching processes and decision-making logic in a clear and intuitive way. By using diamonds to represent decision points, you can create flowcharts that accurately and effectively communicate the steps and decisions involved in a process or system.
Arrow Marks
Arrow marks are standard symbols used in flowcharts to represent the flow or sequence of steps in a process or system. They are typically used to connect the various symbols in a flowchart and to show the direction in which the process or system flows.
Here is an example of how arrow marks might be used in a flowchart:
+----------------+
| |
| Process 1 |
| |
+--------+-------+
|
|
v
+-----+
| ? |
| |
| |
+-----+
|
|
v
+--------+-------+
| |
| Process 2 |
| |
+----------------+
In this example, the arrow marks are used to connect the different symbols in the flowchart and to show the flow of the process. The arrow starting at the rectangle labeled "Process 1" indicates that the process starts there, and it flows down to the diamond, which represents a decision point. Depending on the decision that is made at the diamond, the process will either flow to the right or to the left, as indicated by the arrows.
Arrow marks are essential for creating clear and effective flowcharts, as they allow you to show the sequence and flow of a process or system. By using arrow marks to connect the different symbols in a flowchart, you can create a visual representation of the steps and decisions involved in a process, making it easier to understand and communicate.
To divide any two numbers
Here is a simple algorithm and flowchart that shows how to divide two numbers:
- Start
- Declare and initialize two variables, num1 and num2, to the two numbers we want to divide.
- Check if num2 is not equal to 0. If it is, go to step 7.
- Declare and initialize a variable quotient to the result of dividing num1 by num2.
- Print the value of the quotient.
- Go to step 8.
- Print an error message and exit the program.
- End
This algorithm and flowchart show how to divide two numbers by identifying the dividend and divisor, dividing the dividend by the divisor, and then obtaining the quotient as the result. The flowchart uses standard symbols to represent each step in the process, making it easy to understand and communicate.
To find the greatest among 2 numbers
Here is a step-by-step algorithm to find the greatest among two numbers:
- Start
- Declare and initialize two variables, num1 and num2, to the two numbers we want to compare.
- Check if num1 is greater than num2. If not, go to step 6.
- Print the value of num1 and go to step 8.
- Go back to step 6.
- Print the value of num2.
- Go to step 8.
- End
And here is a simple flowchart that outlines the steps in this algorithm:
Loop
A loop is a programming construct that allows you to repeat a certain block of code until a certain condition is met. In a flowchart, a loop is represented by a rectangular box with a loop condition written inside it. The flow of the program continues to the top of the loop box and repeats until the loop condition is satisfied.
Now we will consider the flowchart to print first N natural numbers which contain the loop
Here is a step-by-step algorithm for printing the first n natural numbers using a loop:
- Start
- Declare and initialize a variable n to the number of natural numbers to be printed.
- Declare and initialize a variable i to 1.
- Check if i is less than or equal to n. If not, go to step 8.
- Print the value of i.
- Increment the value of i by 1.
- Go back to step 4.
- End
Write an algorithm Draw a Flowchart to find the product of two numbers
- Start
- Declare and initialize two variables, num1 and num2, to the two numbers whose product we want to find.
- Declare a third variable, product, to store the result of the multiplication.
- Calculate the product of num1 and num2 and store the result in the product.
- Print the value of the product.
- End