Software Design & Development - Preliminary Course Page - 1

Introduction 2 Flowcharts

FLOWCHARTS
Flowcharts a graphical representation of the algorithm. They can be used instead of pseudocode or as
most programmers as a complement to pseudocode.
Flowcharts are sometimes easier to use in solving a problem if the programmer is having difficulty with
the logic of the solution. However, Flowcharts are much harder to modify and do not translate to
programming code easily. It is for this reason that pseudocode is the preferred method of algorithm
description.
One of the main uses of Flowcharts by experienced programmers is to map out the basic logic of a
large algorithm. Once the graphical map has been solved, using only the basic components of the
algorithm solution, then the algorithm is solved using pseudocode.
Both methods will be examined at HSC level so an understanding of both methods is essential.

The graphical components of the Flowchart method of algorithm description are.

1. Terminator Used to enclose the BEGIN and END

statements in each Algorithm.

2. Process box Represents a process which is to take

place.

3. Decision diamond Represents a condition. A question is asked

and the answer can be either YES or NO,
True or False. Entry from the top and exit
from two points only.

4. I/O box Represents the Input/Output functions.

Screen or Printer output. Data that is
entered at Keyboard level. The Process box
is often used in its place.

5. SubProgram box A SubProgram is activated by the

command CALL SubProgram name

6. Flowlines Flowlines are used to indicate the flow of

data through the Algorithm. The
convention is for data to flow from Top to

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Software Design & Development - Preliminary Course Page - 2

General Conditions
An Algorithm represented by a Flowchart needs to be layed out in a logical manner.

1. The Terminators should be placed at the top and bottom of the chart indicating the start and finish of
the algorithm with the necessary control structures placed between them. Flow lines join all
components of the Flowchart and indicate the flow of data through the chart. Arrow heads on the
flowlines are rarely used. However, if the flow of data is in the reverse direction to the norm, top to
bottom, left to right, then arrows are used on the flow lines.

BEGIN

Process 1

No Yes
Decision

Process 3 Process 2

END

When drawing flowcharts an attempt should be made to keep multiple decision diamonds under one
another with the resulting processes tiered off to the right maintaining the top-left to bottom-right flow.
The Terminators should also be vertically aligned and be at the top and bottom of the chart.
A logical flow and order should be maintained at all times. A good easy to read flowchart may need to
be redrawn a number of times as the algorithm is refined.

© Tardiani Publishing 2000