Flow Chart
What is Flow chart
A Flow chart is a pictorial representation that symbols to show the operations and decision to be followed by a computer in solving a problem. It shows as to what decision have to be taken, what questions have to be answered to make those decisions, and how one question leads to another. The emphasis is on the program logic and processing sequence.
In simple words we can say that the flow chart is like a road map which provides a detailed description of the flow of processing of data. It shows the main stages of a problem and how they are related. A flow chart also serves as :
» An efficient means of communication
» An analytical tool
» A concise form of documentation
Flow chart is also a very effective and inexpensive analytical tool. With the help of a flowchart, a programmer can quickly show a series of alternative approaches to a problem. A group of designers can then examine the flow charts and determine which solution best suits their heeds. Hence the assessment of the solution can be done with paper and pencil without wasting the valuable computer time.
Because flow charts are diagrams, they provide an excellent and concise form of documentation. They can document any designer's work without depending on a programming language.
Advantages of a flowchart
• It helps to clarify complex processes.
• It identifies steps that do not add value to the internal or external customer, including: delays; needless storage and transportation; unnecessary work, duplication, and added expense; breakdowns in communication.
• It helps team members gain a shared understanding of the process and use this knowledge to collect data, identify problems, focus discussions, and identify resources.
• It serves as a basis for designing new processes.