A flowchart is simply a graphical representation of steps. It shows steps in sequential order and is widely used in presenting the flow of algorithms, workflow or processes. Typically, a flowchart shows the steps as boxes of various kinds, and their order by connecting them with arrows.
A flowchart is a graphical representations of steps. It was originated from computer science as a tool for representing algorithms and programming logic but had extended to use in all other kinds of processes. Nowadays, flowcharts play an extremely important role in displaying information and assisting reasoning. They help us visualize complex processes, or make explicit the structure of problems and tasks. A flowchart can also be used to define a process or project to be implemented.
Different flow chart symbols have different meanings. The most common flow chart symbols are:
Terminator: An oval flow chart shape indicating the start or end of the process.
Process: A rectangular flow chart shape indicating a normal process flow step.
Decision: A diamond flow chart shape indication a branch in the process flow.
Connector: A small, labeled, circular flow chart shape used to indicate a jump in the process flow. (Shown as the circle with the letter "A", below.)
Data: A parallelogram that indicates data input or output (I/O) for a process.
Document: Used to indicate a document or report (see image in sample flow chart below).
The terminator symbol represents the starting or ending point of the system.
A box indicates some particular operation.
This represents a printout, such as a document or a report.
A diamond represents a decision or branching point. Lines coming out from the diamond indicates different possible situations, leading to different sub-processes.
It represents information entering or leaving the system. An input might be an order from a customer. Output can be a product to be delivered.
This symbol would contain a letter inside. It indicates that the flow continues on a matching symbol containing the same letter somewhere else on the same page.
A simple flow chart showing the symbols described above can be seen below:
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