What Are Flowcharts?
Flowcharts are visual representations of processes or workflows, using symbols such as ovals, rectangles, diamonds, and more.
First of all,let me show you what a simple flowchart looks like.
The flowchart below outlines the process of brushing your teeth step by step.
Now that you saw what a flowchart looks like, let's learn about the fundamental symbols used for creating flowcharts.
i know you only understood only a few words and sentences from that table.So let me explain more about it.
1. Terminator (Oval shape, like an egg)
It shows where the flowchart begins and concludes.It represents the start and end of a process.
Example:
Start:
If we were designing a flowchart for a login system.The process starts with user logging in to the system.This is represented by a "Start" terminator.
End:
When the user successfully logs in to the system,the process ends with an "End" terminator.
Note:the red ovals are terminator.
2. Process (Rectangle shape)
It represents a action,task,or operation in the process/program.The process represents the different instructions occurring within the program.
Example
In a flowchart for online order processing,the steps include:
- Action:"Check Inventory" - Checks if items are in stock.
- Action:"Pack Item" - Packs the item for shipping.
Note:the red rectangles are processes.
3. Decision (Diamond shape)
It represents a decision point in the process that requires a 'Yes' or 'No' answer (or other choices). This is used when the flowchart has to branch into different paths depending on the result of the condition or question.
Example
In a flowchart for approving loan application:
Decision:'Is the credit score sufficient?'
- if Yes, "Approve Loan Application."
- if No, "Reject Loan Application."
Note:the red diamond is the decision symbol.
4. Input/Output (Parallelogram)
Used to represent the data entry or display of data to or from a process.It includes receiving user input,showing results etc.
Example
In a flowchart for a calculator program which add two numbers:
Input: "Enter numbers" --The user is providing two numbers for calculation.
Output: "Display sum" --The calculated result is shown to the user.
Note:the red parallelograms are input/output symbols.
5. Subprogram (Rectangle shape with vertical lines on both left & right sides)
This symbol represents a subprogram, function, or module that is called or executed as part of a larger process.
Main process:
- Collect employee data.
- Call "Calculate Taxes" (subprogram)
- Finalize payroll.
Subprogram
- Calculate taxes based on income.'Calculate taxes'
Note:the rectangle with two lines is the subprogram symbol.
6. Connector (Circle shape)
Used to show a connection or continuation within the flowchart.This symbol helps to simplify complex diagrams if the diagram has process that continues on another page or needs to jump between different sections.
Example
In a long flowchart
- At the end of Page 1: Add a connector labeled "A."
- At the start of Page 2: Add a connector labeled "A" to continue the flow.
Note:the red circles are the connector symbols.
7. Flow (Arrow shape)
It shows the flow or direction between symbols,processes.It connects different steps in a series of operations.
So, you’ve reached the end of this blog?nice work! 🎉 We’ve gone from “What even is a flowchart?” to understanding symbols, examples, and how they all come together. Hopefully, you’re feeling a bit more comfortable now.
This is just the first step, and there’s so much more to explore, which I will cover in the upcoming blogs.
Until next time🤗
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