Flow Charts

Flowcharts

• A flowchart is a diagram that represents a set of instructions. Flowcharts use standard symbols to represent the different types of instructions. These symbols are used to construct the flowchart and show the step-by-step solution to the problem.

• Flowcharts can be used to represent algorithms involving branching (decisions). The words, IF and THEN and WHILE are often used in the decision-making process (eg If it is cold, then I will need a jacket).

• The symbols that you will be using include:

  • an oval shape for the beginning and end of a program

  • a rectangle shape for processing (e.g. mathematics)

  • a parallelogram for both input and output, and

  • a diamond shape for a decisions and conditions. 

Flowchart Symbols

Flowcharts can be used to plan out everyday tasks and computer programs. Planning a program that asks people what the best subject they take is, would look like this as a flowchart: