Computational Thinking

What is a flowchart ?

A flowchart is a type of diagram that represents a workflow or process. A flowchart can also be defined as a graphical or symbolic representation of an algorithm. Each step in the process is represented by a different symbol and contains a short description of the process step.

Symbols used to draw Flowcharts

Differences between Algorithm and Flowchart

Algorithm

Algorithm is step by step procedure to solve the problem.
Algorithm is complex to understand.
In algorithm plain text are used.
Algorithm is easy to debug.
Algorithm is difficult to construct.
Algorithm does not follow any rules.

Flowchart

Flowchart is a diagram created by different shapes to show the flow of data.
Flowchart is easy to understand.
In flowchart, symbols/shapes are used
Flowchart it is hard to debug.
Flowchart is simple to construct.
Flowchart follows rules to be constructed.

Let's understand Flowcharts and try some examples!!

Simple algorithm and flowchart of preparing tea

Step 1: Start.

Step 2: Pour milk into the kettle.

Step 3: Add tea leaves and sugar to the milk.

Step 4: Heat the kettle and allow it to boil.

Step 5: Filter the tea in cups and serve hot.

Step 6: Stop

Now let's try to draw a simple flowchart by using an algorithm of making a sandwich given below and upload the same in the assessment form. Click here - link to draw flowcharts

Step 1: START

Step 2: Get a slice of bread

Step 3: Spread butter on bread

Step 4: Put a layer of vegetables on bread

Step 5: Eat the sandwich

Step 6: Stop

Algorithm and flowchart for the traffic light signals

Step 1: START

Step 2: Approach the light from your place

Step 3: Check for the colour of the light

Step 4: The decision is to be made on the basis of the light colour.

Red-Stop

Yellow-Slow down

Green-Continue driving.

Step 5: Stop.

Now let's try to draw a flowchart that involves decision making, by using an algorithm to find the greatest of the two numbers given below and upload the same in the assessment form. Click here - link to draw flowcharts

Step 1: START

Step 2: Consider two numbers A and B.

Step 3: Compute the greater number

If A>B, then A is the greater number.

else, B is the greater number.

Step 4: Print the greater number.

Step 5: Stop.

Things you can do:

Draw the flowchart to represent the routine of your school.
Draw the flowchart which describes the steps of your favourite game.

DID YOU KNOW?

Flowcharts to document business processes came into use in the 1920s and 30s. In 1921, industrial engineers Frank and Lillian Gilbreth introduced the “Flow Process Chart” to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

A flowchart is a graphical representation of decisions and their results mapped out in individual shapes that were first developed by Herman Goldstine and John von Neumann in the 1940s.

ASSESSMENT

The teachers must mandatorily answer the questions in order to complete the course. Kindly fill out all the form given below.

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