Computer flow charting is the method of drawing diagrams to show how a program works step by step. A flow chart uses different shapes to represent actions, decisions, inputs, and outputs. It helps programmers understand the logic before writing code. Flow charts make problem solving easier because the entire process becomes visible. They reduce confusion and help detect mistakes early. Students and professionals use flow charts for planning, teaching, and explaining program logic in a clear and organised way.
Flow Chart
A flow chart is a diagram that shows the sequence of steps in a program or process. It uses symbols to represent different actions such as input, output, processing, and decisions. Arrows show the direction of the flow. A flow chart helps in planning the program logic before coding begins. It provides a clear view of how data moves and how decisions are made. This makes the program easier to understand, debug, and modify. Flow charts are useful for complex tasks because they simplify the overall structure.
Need for Flow Charting:
Flow charting is needed because it helps programmers understand the logic of a program before coding. It shows each step clearly so the programmer can check if the sequence is correct. Flow charts help find mistakes early, which saves time and reduces confusion. They make communication easy when many people work on the same project because everyone can see the process in a visual form. Flow charts also work as a guide during coding and testing. They help in future updates because the logic is already explained in a clear and organised way.
Symbols Used in Flow Charting:
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Start and End Symbol
This symbol is drawn as an oval and is used to show where a program begins and ends. It helps mark the boundaries of the flow chart. By clearly defining start and end points, the programmer ensures that the sequence is easy to follow and understand.
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Input and Output Symbol
This symbol is drawn as a parallelogram. It represents activities where the program receives data from the user or provides results to the user. It is important because every program needs data to work and must also show the correct output to complete the task.
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Process Symbol
This symbol is a rectangle used to show any action or calculation performed by the computer. It represents steps like adding numbers, storing values, or processing information. It helps break the program into smaller operations so the flow becomes clear and easy to understand.
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Decision Symbol
This symbol is drawn as a diamond and is used when the program needs to choose between two or more options. It usually checks a condition and gives a yes or no path. It is important in flow charts because many programs depend on decision making to continue properly.
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Connector Symbol
This small circle is used to join different parts of a flow chart, especially when the chart is long or does not fit in one place. It keeps the diagram neat and organised. Connectors help users follow the flow smoothly without losing track of any step in the program.
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Flow Lines
Flow lines are arrows that show the direction of steps in a program. They connect all symbols in the correct sequence. They help the user understand how the program moves from one activity to the next. Without flow lines, the chart becomes confusing and difficult to read.
Advantages of Flow Charting:
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Easy to Understand
Flow charts present the program steps in a visual form, making the logic simple to understand. Even beginners can follow the sequence easily. This clarity helps in learning, teaching, and explaining the program to others. It reduces confusion and improves overall understanding of the process.
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Helps in Error Detection
Flow charts allow programmers to identify mistakes before writing code. By reviewing the steps on paper, errors in logic or missing actions can be found early. This saves time during coding and testing. Early error detection leads to better quality programs and smoother development.
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Improves Communication
Flow charts help teams discuss program logic clearly. Since everything is shown visually, misunderstandings reduce. Team members can quickly understand the structure, suggest changes, and work together efficiently. This is useful in large projects where many people must follow the same plan.
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Useful for Documentation
A flow chart acts as a permanent record of program logic. It helps future programmers understand how the program works. Documentation supports maintenance, updates, and modifications. When the logic is already drawn, it becomes easier to make changes without confusion.
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Saves Time and Effort
Planning a program through a flow chart reduces time spent on coding and debugging. When the logic is ready beforehand, the coding becomes smooth. Fewer errors appear during development, which saves effort. Flow charts make the whole programming process faster and more organised.
Limitations of Flow Charting:
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Time Consuming to Draw
Flow charts take a lot of time to prepare, especially for large or complex programs. Every step must be drawn carefully with proper symbols. If the logic changes, the entire chart may need to be redone. This makes flow charting slow and sometimes difficult when quick development is required.
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Becomes Confusing for Large Programs
When a program has many steps, decisions, and loops, the flow chart becomes long and hard to follow. Too many symbols make it crowded, which reduces clarity. Large charts often do not fit on one page, causing breaks in understanding. This makes flow charts less effective for very big systems.
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Difficult to Modify
Any small change in program logic requires updating the whole chart. Redrawing symbols, reconnecting arrows, and adjusting the layout take time. Frequent changes make the flow chart messy and difficult to maintain. Because of this, flow charts are not suitable for projects that require constant updates or revisions.
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Needs Knowledge of Symbols
To draw a correct flow chart, a person must know all standard symbols and their meanings. Beginners may find this challenging. If symbols are used wrongly, the chart becomes confusing. Proper training is required to use symbols correctly. This makes flow charting slightly harder for new learners.