Flowchart—ICT, and programming courses:

✅ 1. Introduction to Flowcharts

• Definition of flowchart
• Purpose and importance of flowcharts
• History and origin

✅ 2. Flowchart Symbols

• Terminator (Start/End)
• Process
• Input/Output
• Decision
• Connector
• Arrow lines (flowlines)

✅ 3. Types of Flowcharts

• System flowchart
• Program flowchart
• Process flowchart
• Data flow diagram (DFD)
• Workflow chart

✅ 4. Flowcharting Guidelines

• General rules for drawing flowcharts

• Standard symbol usage
• Direction of flow (usually top to bottom or left to right)
• Neatness and clarity
• Consistency
✅ 5. Components of a Flowchart

• Start and end points

• Inputs and outputs
• Processes
• Decision points
• Connectors and flowlines

✅ 6. Algorithms vs. Flowcharts

• Differences
• Similarities
• When to use each

✅ 7. Advantages and Disadvantages of Flowcharts

• Pros: clarity, communication, documentation, debugging

• Cons: time-consuming, complex for large systems

✅ 8. Creating Flowcharts

• Tools (manual drawing, software tools like Lucidchart, Draw.io, Microsoft Visio, etc.)
• Step-by-step procedure
• Examples of basic flowcharts

✅ 9. Common Errors in Flowcharting

• Misuse of symbols
• Logic errors
• Lack of connectors
• Ambiguous decision points
✅ 10. Real-Life Examples and Applications

• Flowchart for login systems

• Flowchart for ATM transactions
• Flowchart for student registration
• Flowchart for calculating grade

Introduction to Flowcharts
1. Definition of Flowchart

A flowchart is a diagrammatic representation of a process, algorithm, or system. It uses

standardized symbols such as arrows, ovals, rectangles, and diamonds to illustrate the
sequence of steps or actions in a logical order.

Flowcharts are used in many fields…..such as programming, engineering, education, and

business….to visually explain how tasks or processes are carried out.

2. Purpose and Importance of Flowcharts

Purpose

• To visualize complex processes in a simple and understandable way.

• To document, design, analyze, or manage a process or program.
• To help in debugging and improving algorithms or procedures.
• To guide developers or users in understanding the sequence of operations.

Importance

• Clarity: Makes complicated logic easy to follow.

• Communication: Enhances understanding between team members, especially in
technical fields.
• Problem-solving: Helps identify problems and inefficiencies in a process.
• Documentation: Serves as a reference for future improvements or audits.
• Training: Useful for teaching new employees or students about a system.
3. History and Origin of Flowcharts

The concept of flowcharts dates back to the early 20th century. Here's a brief history:

• 1921: The first recognized use of flowcharts came from Frank Gilbreth, an American
engineer, who presented the idea of a “Process Chart” to the American Society of
Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
• 1930s–1940s: Flowcharts gained more popularity in industrial engineering and
management to streamline business processes.
• 1947: ASME adopted a standard set of symbols for flowcharts.
• 1950s: With the emergence of computers, programmers began using flowcharts
to outline algorithms before writing code.
• Today: Flowcharts are used widely in software development, project management,
education, manufacturing, and other industries.

📘 Note on Process Deployment Flow and Flowcharting

🔹 What is Process Deployment Flow?

A Process Deployment Flow is another term for a flowchart….specifically one that shows how
a business process or system procedure is implemented from start to finish.

🏷️ Also Known As:

• Process Flow Diagram

• Workflow Diagram
• Process Map
• Process Flowchart

🎯 Purpose:

To show the sequence of actions, decisions, and responsibilities in a process.

It is useful for:

• Analyzing workflows
• Optimizing processes
• Automating operations
🔹 Macro and Micro Flowcharts
1. Macro Flowchart (High-Level Flowchart):

• Definition: Shows the overall structure or main steps of a process.

• Focus: High-level view (no deep details).
• Use Case: Planning, presentations, or explaining to non-technical stakeholders.

2. Micro Flowchart (Detailed Flowchart):

• Definition: Breaks down each step into detailed actions or decisions.

• Focus: Tiny operations and logic involved.
• Use Case: Programming, technical design, or troubleshooting.

🔹 What is Flowcharting?

Flowcharting is the process of visually representing an algorithm using standard flowchart

symbols.
It shows the logical flow of steps in solving a problem or completing a process.

🔹 Basic Flowchart Structures

There are four core structures in flowcharting:

1. Sequence

• Definition: The simplest structure where steps follow one after the other.
• Use: When actions are done step by step without conditions.
• Example:
Input → Process → Output

2. Decision

• Definition: Involves a condition that creates a branch in the flow (e.g., Yes/No,
True/False).
• Use: When a choice needs to be made based on a condition.
 • Example:
If score ≥ 50 → Pass
Else → Fail
• Symbol: ♦ Diamond
• Used For: Yes/No, True/False, Truth or Dare, Multiple-choice decision points

3. Repetition (Loop)

• Definition: A step is repeated until a condition is met.

• Use: For loops such as counting, repeating actions, or validation.
• Example:
Repeat printing numbers 1 to 10

4. Case (Switch/Multiple Selection)

• Definition: Used when there are multiple possible options or outcomes.

• Use: When one input can lead to several outcomes.
• Example:
If option = A → Action A
If option = B → Action B

Flowchart Symbols and Their Uses

Flowcharts use specific symbols to represent different types of actions, decisions, and directions
in a process. Below are the most commonly used symbols and their meanings:

1. Terminator

• Symbol: Oval or Pill Shape

• Used For:
o Indicates the Start or End of a flowchart.
• How to Use:
o Every flowchart must start with a Start symbol.
o It should end with an End or Stop symbol.
o Example: Start, End
2. Process

• Symbol: Rectangle
• Used For:
o Represents a task, action, or operation to be performed.
• How to Use:
o Write a clear description of the action inside the box.
o Example: Calculate total, Print receipt
o

3. Input/Output

• Symbol: Parallelogram
• Used For:
 o Representing input (e.g., user entering data) or output (e.g., system
displaying results).

• How to Use:
o Indicate what is being received or displayed.
o Example: Enter name, Display result
o

4. Decision

• Symbol: Diamond
• Used For:
o Represents a decision point requiring a Yes/No, True/False, or multiple-
choice answer.
• How to Use:
o Clearly state the condition inside the diamond.
o Use arrows labeled with possible outcomes like “Yes” or “No”.
o Example: Is password correct?
5. Arrow (Flowline)

• Symbol: Line with Arrowhead

• Used For:
o Indicates the direction of flow from one step to the next.
• How to Use:
o Connect all symbols in the correct order.
o Ensure each arrow flows logically from one shape to another.

6. Connector

• Symbol: Small Circle

• Used For:
o Connecting different parts of the flowchart, especially when the flowchart is
too long or splits across pages.
• How to Use:
o Label connectors with letters or numbers to match start and end points of
the jump.
3. Types of Flowcharts

1. System Flowchart
o Shows how data moves through a complete system.
o Displays inputs, processes, outputs, and file storage.
o Useful for understanding how systems interact.
2. Program Flowchart
o Represents the sequence of instructions in a computer program.
o Helps programmers visualize logic before coding.
3. Process Flowchart
o Depicts the steps in a business or industrial process.
o Focuses on how a job is done from start to finish.
4. Data Flow Diagram (DFD)
o Represents how data flows in a system.
o Shows data sources, data storage, and processing steps.
5. Workflow Chart
o Illustrates the movement of tasks or documents between people or systems.
o Often used to describe roles and responsibilities in a business process.

4. Flowcharting Guidelines
These are some points to keep in mind while developing a flowchart .....

✓ Flowchart can have only one start and one stop symbol
✓ On-page connectors are referenced using number
✓ Off-page connectors are referenced using alphabets
✓ General flow of processes is top to bottom or left to right
✓ Arrows should not cross each other.
 1. General Rules
o Use appropriate symbols correctly.
o Keep it simple and easy to understand.
o Avoid unnecessary complexity.
2. Standard Symbol Usage
o Terminator (Start/End): Oval
o Process: Rectangle
o Decision: Diamond
o Input/Output: Parallelogram
o Arrows: Show the flow of logic
3. Direction of Flow
o Always maintain a clear direction:
▪ Top to bottom
▪ Or left to right
4. Neatness and Clarity
o Ensure the chart is clean and well-spaced.
o Use lines and arrows without crossing each other where possible.
5. Consistency
o Use uniform symbol sizes and styles.
o Apply consistent labeling and formatting.

✅ 5. Components of a Flowchart

1. Start and End Points (Terminator):

o Represented by an oval shape.
o Shows where the process begins and ends.
o Example: Start, End.
2. Inputs and Outputs:
o Represented by a parallelogram.
o Used to show data input (e.g., user enters a value) or output (e.g., print
result).
3. Processes:
o Represented by a rectangle.
o Indicates any kind of action, calculation, or operation.
4. Decision Points:
o Represented by a diamond shape.
o Used when a choice or condition must be evaluated (Yes/No, True/False).
5. Connectors and Flowlines:
o Arrows or lines used to connect symbols and show the flow of control.
o Helps in following the sequence of steps.
✅ 6. Algorithms vs. Flowcharts
Feature Algorithm Flowchart

Form Written in text or pseudocode Uses symbols and diagrams

Focus Focuses on logic and sequence Focuses on visualizing the process

Ease of use Faster to write for simple problems Easier to understand for beginners

Clarity May not be visual Very clear for communication

When to When you need a quick step-by-step When you want to illustrate a
Use logic process

Similarities:

• Both show step-by-step solutions.

• Both help in planning and problem-solving.
• Both are used in programming and system design.

✅ 7. Advantages and Disadvantages of Flowcharts

✅ Advantages (Pros):

• Clarity: Makes the process easy to understand at a glance.

• Communication: Helpful for teams to discuss and review logic.
• Documentation: Serves as a good reference or manual.
• Debugging: Helps spot errors in logic quickly.

1. Better Communication
o Flowcharts use symbols and visuals to represent processes, making
complex logic easy to understand for both technical and non-technical
stakeholders.
2. Efficient Coding
o With the logic pre-structured visually, developers can translate it into code
more quickly and with fewer errors.
3. Systematic Testing
o Flowcharts highlight key decision points and paths, aiding in the
development of thorough test cases and debugging strategies.
4. Proper Documentation
 o They act as long-term references, helping new team members or maintainers
understand the system without needing the original developer.
5. Easy Problem Analysis
o Complex workflows or problems can be broken into smaller, manageable
parts, improving analysis and understanding.
6. Effective Debugging Tool
o Visualizing the flow helps detect logical errors early, especially in decision-
making or loop structures.
7. Improved Workflow Design
o Flowcharts assist in designing efficient systems and workflows by providing a
clear overview of the entire process.

❌ Disadvantages (Cons):

• Time-Consuming: Drawing can take more time than writing.

• Complexity: Large systems can become messy and confusing.
• Hard to Modify: Updating a flowchart might require redrawing the entire diagram.

✅ 8. Creating Flowcharts
• Tools for Creating Flowcharts:

1. Manual Drawing – using pen and paper or whiteboard

2. Software Tools:
o Lucidchart – cloud-based, collaborative, user-friendly
o Draw.io (diagrams.net) – free, intuitive, great for all platforms
o Microsoft Visio – professional tool, part of MS Office suite
o Google Drawings – simple online diagramming
o SmartDraw, Creately, Edraw Max – alternatives with templates

• Step-by-Step Procedure:

1. Define the Problem/Process – What are you trying to represent?

2. Identify Inputs and Outputs – What goes in and comes out?
3. List the Major Steps – Break the process into smaller parts.
4. Choose the Correct Symbols – Use standard shapes (oval, rectangle, diamond,
etc.).
5. Arrange the Steps in Sequence – Use arrows to show the flow.
6. Review and Refine – Check logic, test with peers or on paper.
7. Label Clearly – Ensure all text is clear and meaningful.
• Examples of Basic Flowcharts:

• Simple Addition Operation

• User Login Process
• Making a Cup of Tea
• Turning on a Computer

✅ 9. Common Errors in Flowcharting

1. Misuse of Symbols – Using rectangles instead of diamonds for decisions, or vice

versa.
2. Logic Errors – Steps that do not follow a logical flow or are out of order.
3. Lack of Connectors – Not using connectors for continuation or for connecting
complex parts.
4. Ambiguous Decision Points – Decision nodes without clear Yes/No (True/False)
outcomes.
5. Too Complex or Too Simple – Overloading or oversimplifying the process.
6. Inconsistent Direction – Flow should generally move top to bottom or left to right.
7. No Start or End Point – Always begin with "Start" and end with "Stop/End".

✅ 10. Real-Life Examples and Applications of Flowcharts

• Login System Flowchart:

• Start → Enter Username/Password → Validate → Success or Error Message → End

• ATM Transaction Flowchart:

• Start → Insert Card → Enter PIN → Choose Transaction → Process → Print Receipt →
Eject Card → End

• Student Registration Flowchart:

• Start → Fill Registration Form → Submit → Verify Details → Payment → Confirm

Registration → End

• Grade Calculation Flowchart:

• Start → Input Scores → Calculate Total → Assign Grade (A, B, C...) → Display Grade →
End
CBT Question

1. The symbol denotes _______

a) I/O
b) Flow
c) Terminal
d) Decision
............

Answer: c
Explanation: This symbol represents a terminal. It is used to indicate the start and end
points of a program.

2. In computer science, algorithm refers to a pictorial representation of a flowchart.

a) True
b) False
............

Answer: b
Explanation: This is incorrect. The accurate statement is: In computer science, a
flowchart is a pictorial representation of an algorithm.

3. The process of drawing a flowchart for an algorithm is called __________

a) Performance
b) Evaluation
c) Algorithmic Representation
d) Flowcharting
............

Answer: d
Explanation: This process is known as flowcharting. A flowchart is a visual or graphical
representation of the steps in an algorithm.
 4. Actual instructions in flowcharting are represented in __________
a) Circles
b) Boxes
c) Arrows
d) Lines
............

Answer: b
Explanation: Instructions in a flowchart are written inside boxes. These boxes are
connected using arrows that show the sequence and flow of operations.

6. The following box denotes?

a) Decision
b) Initiation
c) Initialization
d) I/O
............

Answer: a
Explanation: A diamond-shaped box is used to represent decision-making steps. It allows
the flow to branch based on conditions being true or false.

6. A box that can represent two different conditions.

a) Rectangle
b) Diamond
c) Circle
d) Parallelogram
............
Answer: b
Explanation: The diamond shape represents decision points, allowing the flow to
proceed in two directions depending on whether the condition is true or false.

7. There should be certain set standards on the amount of details that should be
provided in a flowchart.
a) True
b) False
............

Answer: b
Explanation: This is false. There is no fixed standard for how much detail a flowchart
should contain; it depends on the purpose and complexity of the algorithm.

8. A detailed flowchart is called ______

a) Stack
b) Macro
c) Micro
d) Union
............

Answer: c
Explanation: A detailed flowchart is known as a micro flowchart. It provides a deeper
view of each step in an algorithm.

9. Which of the following is not an advantage of a flowchart?

a) Better communication
b) Efficient coding
c) Systematic testing
d) Improper documentation
............

Answer: d
Explanation: Flowcharts help with clear documentation. Hence, “improper
documentation” is not an advantage—it’s actually the opposite of what flowcharts
provide.
 10. A flowchart that outlines the main segments of a program.
a) Queue
b) Macro
c) Micro
d) Union
............

Answer: b
Explanation: A macro flowchart highlights the major sections of a program. It presents a
high-level overview with fewer specific details.

11. A _______ is a connector showing the relationship between the representative

shapes.
a) line
b) arrow
c) Process
d) box