Flow charts are the most widely used graphical representation of an algorithm and procedural design workflows. It uses various symbols and shapes like rectangles, ovals, circles, etc. to show the operations and decisions to be followed in a program. Flow chart flows in sequential(step-by-step) order.
Types of flow charts
- Horizontal Flowchart
- Panoramic Flowchart
- Vertical Flowchart
- Architectural Flowchart
Rules of flow charts
- Only conventional flowchart symbols should be used.
- Proper use of names and variables in the flowchart.
- If the flowchart becomes large and complex, use connector symbols.
- Flowcharts should have start and stop points.
Flow chart symbols
- Terminal Symbol – Terminal Symbol is represented with the help of a circle for denoting the start and stop symbols. The symbol given below is used to represent the terminal symbol.
- Input/Output Symbol – The input symbol is used to represent the input data, and the output symbol is used to display the output operation. The symbol given below is used for representing the Input/output symbol.
- Processing Symbol – A processing Symbol or Rectangle shape is used in a flowchart with the help of a rectangle box used to represent the arithmetic and data movement instructions. The symbol given below is used to represent the processing symbol.
- Decision Symbol – The diamond symbol is used for represents decision-making statements. The symbol given below is used to represent the decision symbol.
- Connector Symbol – The circle shape is used if flows are discontinued at some point and continued again at another place. The following symbol is the representation of the connector symbol.
- Flow Lines – Flow lines represent the exact sequence in which instructions are executed. Arrows are used to represent the flow lines in a flowchart. The symbol given below is used for representing the flow lines:
- Hexagon Symbol – Hexagon Symbol is used to create a preparation box containing the loop setting statement. The symbol given below is used for representing the Hexagon symbol.
- On-page Reference Symbol – On-Page Reference Symbol contains a letter inside that indicates the flow continues on a matching symbol containing the same letters somewhere else on the same page. The symbol given below is used for representing the on-page reference symbol.
- Off-Page Reference Symbol – Off-page reference symbol contains a letter inside indicating that the flow continues on a matching symbol containing the same letter somewhere else on a different page. The symbol given below is used to represent the off-page reference symbol.
- Delay or Bottleneck – The bottleneck symbol is used for identifying a delay in a flowchart. The alternative name used for the delay is the bottleneck. The symbol given below is used to represent the delay or bottleneck symbol.
- Document Symbol – A document symbol is used in a flowchart to indicate a document or report. The symbol given below is used to represent the document symbol.
- Internal Storage Symbol – Internal storage symbol given below is used to represent the internal storage symbol.
Example of a flow chart
Design a flowchart for adding two numbers entered by the user.
