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FLOW CHART FLOW CHART FLOW CHART FLOW CHART


Introduction
The flowchart is a means of visually presenting the
flow of data through an information processing
systems, the operations performed within the system
and the sequence in which they are performed.
Program flowchart, describes what operations (and in
what sequence) are required to solve a given problem.
The program flowchart can be likened to the blueprint
of a building. Designer draws a blueprint before
starting construction on a building. Similarly, a
programmer prefers to draw a flowchart prior to
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 the American
National Standard Institute, Inc.
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MEANING OF A FLOWCHART MEANING OF A FLOWCHART MEANING OF A FLOWCHART MEANING OF A FLOWCHART
A flowchart is a diagrammatic representation that
illustrates the sequence of operations to be performed
to get the solution of a problem. Flowcharts are
generally drawn in the early stages of formulating
computer solutions. Flowcharts facilitate
communication between programmers and business
people. These flowcharts play a vital role in the
programming of a problem and are quite helpful in
understanding the logic of complicated and lengthy
problems. Once the flowchart is drawn, it becomes
easy to write the program in any high level language.
GUIDELINES FOR DRAWING A FLOWCHART GUIDELINES FOR DRAWING A FLOWCHART GUIDELINES FOR DRAWING A FLOWCHART GUIDELINES FOR DRAWING A FLOWCHART
Flowcharts are usually drawn using some standard
symbols; however, some special symbols can also be
developed when required. Some standard symbols,
which are frequently required for flowcharting many
computer programs are in the next slide
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Symbols Symbols Symbols Symbols
Start or end of the program
Computational steps or processing function of a program
Input or output operation
Decision making and branching
Connector or joining of two parts of program
Only one flow line should enter a decision symbol, but
two or three flow lines, one for each possible answer,
should leave the decision symbol
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Draw a flowchart to find the sum of first 50 natural numbers.
Algorithm and Pseudo Code Algorithm and Pseudo Code Algorithm and Pseudo Code Algorithm and Pseudo Code
Definition of Algorithm (after Al Kho-war-iz-mi a
9th century Persian mathematician) - an ordered
sequence of unambiguous and well-defined
instructions that performs some task and halts in
finite time
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Let's examine the four parts of this definition more closely
1. An ordered sequence means that you can number
the steps (first socks then shoes!)
2. Unambiguous and well-defined instructions means
that each instruction is clear, do-able, and can be
done without difficulty
3. Performs some task
4. Halts in finite time (algorithms terminate!)
Pseudo code is a kind of structured English for
describing algorithms. It allows the designer to
focus on the logic of the algorithm without being
distracted by details of language syntax. At the
same time, the pseudo code needs to be complete. It
describe the entire logic of the algorithm so that
implementation becomes a rote mechanical task of
translating line by line into source code.
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It has been proven that three basic constructs for flow of
control are sufficient to implement any "proper" algorithm.
SEQUENCE is a linear progression where one task is
performed sequentially after another.
WHILE is a loop (repetition) with a simple conditional test
at its beginning.
IF-THEN-ELSE is a decision (selection) in which a choice is
made between two alternative courses of action.
Although these constructs are sufficient, it is often useful to
include three more constructs:
REPEAT-UNTIL is a loop with a simple conditional test at
the bottom.
CASE is a multiway branch (decision) based on the value of
an expression. CASE is a generalization of IF-THEN-ELSE.
FOR is a "counting" loop.
SEQUENCE Sequential control is indicated by writing one
action after another, each action on a line by itself, and all
actions aligned with the same indent. The actions are
performed in the sequence (top to bottom) that they are
written.
Example (non-computer)
Brush teeth
Wash face
Comb hair
Smile in mirror
Example
READ height of rectangle
READ width of rectangle
COMPUTE area as height times width
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IF-THEN-ELSE
Binary choice on a given Boolean condition is
indicated by the use of four keywords: IF, THEN,
ELSE, and ENDIF. The general form is:
IF condition THEN
sequence 1
ELSE
sequence 2
ENDIF

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