FLOWCHART

A flowchart is a pictorial representation of an algorithm in which the steps are drawn in
the form of different shapes of boxes and the logical flow is indicated by interconnecting arrows.
The boxes represent operations and the arrows represent the sequence in which the operations are
implemented. The primary purpose of the flowchart is to help the programmer in understanding
the logic of the program. Therefore, it is always not necessary to include all the required steps in
detail. Flowcharts outline the general procedure. Since they provide an alternative, visual way
of representing the information flow in a program, program developers often find them very
valuable.
Flow charts can be compared within the blueprint of a building. Just as an architect
draws a blueprint before starting the construction of a building, a programmer draws a flowchart
before writing a computer program. As in the case of the drawing of a blueprint, the flowchart is
drawn according to defined rules and using standard flowchart symbols prescribed by American
National Standard institute (ANSI). Some standard symbols that are frequently required for
flowcharts are shown: