Flowcharts

What is a Flowchart?

A flowchart is a type of diagram that shows the steps of a process using symbols and arrows. Each step is drawn in a shape (like a rectangle for actions or a diamond for decisions), and arrows show the direction the process moves in. Flowcharts are useful because they make complex processes easier to understand.

Why Use Flowcharts?

Flowcharts help you:

Break down and explain processes step-by-step.
Plan out a system, algorithm, or task.
Spot problems or unnecessary steps in a process.
Share ideas clearly with others.

They are used in many fields like:

Computer Science (to plan algorithms)
Business (to map out workflows)
Education (to explain lessons or processes)
Engineering (to plan systems or designs)

Types of Flowcharts

You might see or use different types depending on your task:

Algorithm/Program Flowchart – Shows the logic of code.
System Flowchart – Shows how a whole system works (e.g., inputs, processes, outputs).
Swimlane Flowchart – Shows who does what in a process (great for teamwork).
Data Flowchart – Focuses on how data moves.

How to Create a Flowchart

Decide what you’re showing: What process or task are you drawing? Where does it start and end?
List the steps: Think about what happens first, next, and last. Write these steps in order.
Choose your shapes: Use rectangles for actions, diamonds for decisions, ovals for start/end.
Draw the chart: Use a pencil, whiteboard, or a digital tool like draw.io or a drawing in google docs. Connect the shapes with arrows.
Check your flow: Walk through it from start to finish. Does it make sense? Does each arrow lead to the next step?

Example Flowchart

We begin with START
The question is shown as an INPUT block (parallelogram). It's an input because the user will need to input their answer.
We move to a DECISION symbol (diamond) - the answer must always be a YES or NO shown over the arrows which come from the diamond. You will need to make sure you phrase your questions so they can be answered as YES or NO.
1. NO outputs (parallelogram) the message to Try Again and returns them to the start of the quiz.
2. YES outputs a different message
When they answer the question correctly they reach the end of the process which is always shown as an oval block containing STOP.

Tips for Good Flowcharts

Keep it simple and clear.
Use consistent shapes and arrow directions.
Use a decision shape only when there is a real choice (e.g. yes/no).
Label arrows if needed, especially after decisions.
Break up large flowcharts into smaller sections or use connectors.

Practice Tasks

Create a flowchart for the following:

A simple algorithm (e.g., “Guess the number” game).
Making a sandwich.
Logging in to a computer system.
Your morning routine.

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