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Flowchart and its symbols

Short answer

A flowchart is a graphical representation of an algorithm using symbols: oval for start/stop, parallelogram for input/output, rectangle for process, diamond for decision, arrows for flow. It helps by visually showing logic, making coding easier, and aiding debugging and documentation.

What is a flowchart? Use the various commonly used flowchart symbols. How does a flowchart help computer programming?

A flowchart is a graphical representation of an algorithm, showing the steps of a solution as symbols joined by arrows that show the flow of control.

Commonly used symbols

SymbolNameUse
Oval (rounded box)TerminalStart or Stop
ParallelogramInput/OutputRead or print data
RectangleProcessCalculation or assignment
DiamondDecisionCondition with Yes/No (True/False) outputs
CircleConnectorJoins parts of a flowchart, also to another page
ArrowFlow lineDirection of flow
HexagonPreparationLoop initialisation (in some notations)
 (Start) -> /Read A,B/ -> [S=A+B] -> /Print S/ -> (Stop)

How a flowchart helps programming

  • Shows the logic visually before coding, so errors are found early.
  • Makes coding easy because each box converts to a statement.
  • Helps in understanding, explaining and documenting the program.
  • Makes testing, debugging and later modification easier.

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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