A flowchart is a type of diagram that represents an algorithm. It is a visual representation of a sequence of steps to complete the process.
A flow chart describes a process using symbols rather than words.
Computer programmers use flow charts to show where data enters the program, what processes the data goes through, and how the data is converted to output.
-can be used to quickly communicate the ideas or plans that one programmer envisions to other people who will be involved in the process.
- aid in the analysis of the process to make sure nothing is left out and that all possible inputs, processes, and outputs have been accounted for.
-help programmers develop the most efficient coding because they can clearly see where the data is going to end up.
- help programmers figure out where a potential problem area is and helps them with debugging or cleaning up code that is not working.
- are a useful tool in visualizing a module's flow of execution before writing any code. This allows developers to do three things: verify the algorithm's correctness before writing code, visualize how the code will ultimately be written, and communicate and document the algorithm with other developers and even non-developers.
-may be used in conjunction with other tools, such as pseudo-code, or may be used by itself to communicate a module's ultimate design, depending on the level of detail of the flowchart.