What is Computer

Module: M2-R5: Web Design & Publishing

Chapter: Ch1 Computer Intro

What is a Flowchart?

A flowchart is a visual representation of an algorithm or a process. It uses different shapes and arrows to show the flow of control and steps that must be followed to solve a problem. Flowcharts make it easier to understand, design, and communicate program logic.

Flowcharts are helpful during the planning stage of programming because they clearly show the order of actions and help identify any mistakes before writing actual code.

Common Flowchart Symbols and Their Meanings
Symbol Name Purpose Shape Example
🟢 Terminator (Start/End) Used to represent the start or end of a process.
Start / End
⬜ Process Represents a task, action, or operation.
Process
🔷 Decision Used when a decision or condition must be checked (Yes/No).
🟨 Input/Output Represents input (reading data) or output (displaying data).
I / O
➡️ Arrow Lines Show the direction of the flow of control. →
Advantages of Flowcharts
  • Makes program logic easy to understand.
  • Helps identify logical errors before coding.
  • Useful for debugging and documentation.
  • Acts as a good communication tool between programmers and designers.
Example 1: Flowchart to Add Two Numbers

Below is a simple flowchart that shows how two numbers are added: 

Start
 ↓
Input A, B
 ↓
Sum = A + B
 ↓
Print Sum
 ↓
Stop
Example 2: Flowchart to Find the Largest of Two Numbers
Start
 ↓
Input A, B
 ↓
Is A > B?
 /   \
Yes   No
 |     |
Print A is Largest
      Print B is Largest
 ↓
Stop
Conclusion

Flowcharts make it easy to understand algorithms visually. They use symbols to show how data and logic flow through a program. By using flowcharts before coding, programmers can design efficient and error-free programs.

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