1.4. Flowcharts-definition, notations, examples, advantages and limitations, Comparison with algorithms.

1.4 FLOWCHARTS - DEFINITION, NOTATIONS, EXAMPLES, ADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS, COMPARISON WITH ALGORITHMS.

1.4.1 Flowchart definition

·    Flowchart is a diagrammatic representation of an algorithm. It helps us to understand the logical flow of the program.

· Flowchart shows flow of the whole process which includes the data inputs,process,decisions and output generated.

1.4.2 Flowchart notations

·    It uses several geometric figures to represent operations and arrows to show the direction of the flow.

·   Following notations or symbols are used to draw a flowchart shown in Figure 1.1

 

Figure 1.1

1.4.3 Flowchart Examples

Example 1 Draw a flowchart to add two numbers

Example 2 Draw the flowchart to find number is odd or even

Example 3Draw a Flowchart to find sum of digits of a number

1.4.4 Flowchart Advantages and Limitations

Advantages of flowchart:

1 Flowcharts are easily understood because it us in pictorial form.

2 Flowcharts can be used for purpose of documentation.

3 Flowcharts can be easily converted into program.

4 Flowcharts helps in analyzing the problem.

5 Flowcharts helps us in debugging the program.

Limitations

            1 It is not executable.

            2 When problem is lengthy and complicated then drawing flowchart becomes difficult.

            3 If any error occurs then we need to redraw flowchart again.

            4 Every instruction has to be written with the blocks then it becomes difficult for big

            Program.

1.4.5 Comparison with Algorithms and Flowchart:

Algorithms	Flowchart
Algorithm is step by step solution to the problem i.e. well-defined sequence of steps	Flowchart is diagrammatic representation of a program i.e. flowchart explains the steps of a program in a graphical way
There is no syntax to write an Algorithm	Symbols are used in flowchart
Algorithm is translated into Flowchart	Flowchart is converted into program
For complex problem algorithm can be written by modular approach	It is difficult to draw flowchart for complex problem or lengthy problem