INTRODUCTION

What is Flow chart or Flow diagram?Flow diagram is a graphical means of

presenting, describing or analysing a process. This is doneby drawing small boxes which represent steps or decisionin a chain of steps or decisions. These boxes areconnected to other boxes by line and arrow whichrepresent sequence and dependency relationship.

Flow diagram or Flowchart are simplediagram that map out a process so that it can be easilycommunicated to the people. Flow Diagram or Flowchartare easy to understand diagram showing how steps in aprocess fit together. This make them useful tools forcommunicating how process works and for clearlydocumenting how a particular job is done.

Types of Flowchart /Flow diagram:

1. System Flowchart: System Flowchartplays a vital role in system analysis. Theyillustrate graphically the elements andcharacteristics of a system and expressedits structure and relationship in terms ofFlowchart symbols. This chart describe thesequence of major processing operations,both manual and computers, data flow andthe files to be used in processing and theflow of processing control. SystemFlowchart are used by system analysis foranalysing or designing system.

2. Modular program Flowchart:Modular program Flowchart aredesigned primarily to illustratealgorithms for developing and writinga specific computer programs. InModular programs, the sequence ofinstructions that perform eachprocedure or operations is written asan independent unit or module. Thismodule is capable of performing thatprocedure in other programs as well.Specific details on how a givenoperations is to be done or notincluded.

3. Detail program Flowchart: Detailprogram Flowchart is the mostcomprehensive and elemental chartused by the programmers. Each symbolrepresent and executable stepssuitable for coding as an instruction ina computer language. In a Detailprogram Flowchart each details,minute steps or operation is shown inits correct sequence, reduce to itssimplest components.

Uses of Flowchart/Flow Diagram:

A Flowchart/Flow diagram can therefore be used to:

1. Define and analysis data.

2. Build a step-by-step picture of the process for analysis, discussion or communication.

3. Define, standardise or find areas for improvement in process.

Basic symbols of Flowchart/Flow diagrams:

Most of the flowchart or Flow diagram are made up offour main basic types of symbols:

Circle: This symbol act as connector to go from onepoint to another during the process.

Oval or elongated circle: This symbol signifies the start or end of the process.

Diamond: This symbol shows decision that must be

made. This is a decision symbol and let us chooses which part you are going to go in flowchart.

Rectangle: this symbol shows instruction or action and all

action are shown in this symbol.

CONCLUSION

It helps Programmers to overwriteprograms as Flowchart gives agraphic representation of what aprograms is going to do. It helpsthem to define the logic andsequence of events within theprograms and Flowchart/ Flowdiagram helps the programmers todesign in which way the programs issuppose to run.