Imee Angela D.

Atienza

S11-14

Flowchart In Programming
Flowchart is a diagrammatic representation of an algorithm. Flowchart are very helpful
in writing program and explaining program to others.

Symbols Used In Flowchart

Different symbols are used for different states in flowchart, For example: Input/Output
and decision making has different symbols. The table below describes all the symbols
that are used in making flowchart

Symbol Purpose Description

Used to indicate the flow of logic by connecting

Flow line
symbols.

Terminal(Stop/Start) Used to represent start and end of flowchart.

Input/Output Used for input and output operation.

Used for airthmetic operations and data-

Processing
manipulations.

Used to represent the operation in which there are

Desicion
two alternatives, true and false.

On-page Connector Used to join different flowline

Used to connect flowchart portion on different

Off-page Connector
page.
Symbol Purpose Description

Predefined Used to represent a group of statements

Process/Function performing one processing task.

Examples of flowcharts in programming

Draw a flowchart to add two numbers entered by user.

Draw flowchart to find the largest among three different numbers entered by user.
Draw a flowchart to find all the roots of a quadratic equation ax 2+bx+c=0
Draw a flowchart to find the Fibonacci series till term1000.

Though, flowchart are useful in efficient coding, debugging and analysis of a program,
drawing flowchart in very complicated in case of complex programs and often ignored.

Start/End Symbol
The terminator symbol marks the starting or ending point of
the system. It usually contains the word "Start" or "End."

Action or Process Symbol

A box can represent a single step ("add two cups of flour"),
or and entire sub-process ("make bread") within a larger
process.
Document Symbol
A printed document or report.

Multiple Documents Symbol

Represents multiple documents in the process.

Decision Symbol
A decision or branching point. Lines representing different
decisions emerge from different points of the diamond.

Input/Output Symbol
Represents material or information entering or leaving
the system, such as customer order (input) or a product
(output).

Manual Input Symbol

Represents a step where a user is prompted to enter
information manually.

Preparation Symbol
Represents a set-up to another step in the process.

Connector Symbol
Indicates that the flow continues where a matching
symbol (containing the same letter) has been placed.
Or Symbol
Indicates that the process flow continues in more than
two branches.

Summoning Junction Symbol

Indicates a point in the flowchart where multiple
branches converge back into a single process.

Merge Symbol
Indicates a step where two or more sub-lists or sub-
processes become one.

Collate Symbol
Indicates a step that orders information into a standard
format.

Sort Symbol
Indicates a step that organizes a list of items into a
sequence or sets based on some pre-determined criteria.

Subroutine Symbol
Indicates a sequence of actions that perform a specific
task embedded within a larger process. This sequence of
actions could be described in more detail on a separate
flowchart.

Manual Loop Symbol

Indicates a sequence of commands that will continue to
repeat until stopped manually.

Loop Limit Symbol

Indicates the point at which a loop should stop.

Delay Symbol
Indicates a delay in the process.

Data Storage or Stored Data Symbol

Indicates a step where data gets stored.

Database Symbol
Indicates a list of information with a standard structure
that allows for searching and sorting.

Internal Storage Symbol

Indicates that information was stored in memory during a
program, used in software design flowcharts.

Display Symbol
Indicates a step that displays information.
Off Page
Indicates that the process continues off page.

Quick Tips for Using Flowchart

Symbols
Most of the flowchart symbols shown here are for use in
very specific applications, such as a data flow diagram used for computer
programming. Unless you have specialized knowledge and your diagram is being
developed for a peer group with similar knowledge, it's best to stick to basic
flowchart symbols. If more than the most basic flowchart symbols appear in your
diagram, it is good practice to include a legend or symbol key.

Most flowcharts should be built using only the Start/End and Action or Process
symbols and should follow a very basic set of best practices. Sticking with these two
primary flowchart symbols is the best way to ensure that your diagram will be easy
to understand.
References:

Programiz. (n.d.). Design Flowchart In Programming (With Examples) - Programiz.

Retrieved from https://www.programiz.com/article/flowchart-programming
SmartDraw. (n.d.). Flowchart Symbols. Retrieved from
https://www.smartdraw.com/flowchart/flowchart-symbols.htm