Representing an algorithm: Flow charts

A flow chart (also known as a flow diagram) is a diagram that represents a set of . Flow charts normally use standard symbols to represent the different instructions. There are few real rules about the level of detail needed in a flow charts. Sometimes flow charts are broken down into many steps to provide a lot of detail about exactly what is happening. Sometimes they are simplified so that a number of steps occur in just one step.

Flow diagram symbols

The symbols in a flowchart are 'Start/Stop', 'Process', 'Decision', 'Input or Output', 'Connector' and 'Direction of flow'.

A simple could be created to ask someone their name and age, and to make a comment based on these. This program represented as a flow chart would look like this:

An algorithm can be represented as a flowchart and can be used to determine a number of things such as a persons name and age. Depending on your age, you may be given a different response.

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Representing an algorithm: Pseudocode

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AlgorithmsRepresenting an algorithm: Flow charts