5/11/2019 Explain Algorithm and Flowchart with Examples
Products Diagrams Templates Solutions Buy Support
Explain Algorithm and Flowchart with Examples
Overview How It Works All Libraries Reviews(137)
Algorithm and flowchart are two types of tools to explain the process of a program. This page extends the differences
between an algorithm and a flowchart, and how to create a flowchart to explain an algorithm in a visual way.
Algorithms and flowcharts are two different tools used for creating new programs, especially in computer programming. An algorithm is a step-by-step
analysis of the process, while a flowchart explains the steps of a program in a graphical way.
Definition of Algorithm
To write a logical step-by-step method to solve the problem is called algorithm, in other words, an algorithm is a procedure for solving problems. In order
to solve a mathematical or computer problem, this is the first step of the procedure. An algorithm includes calculations, reasoning and data processing.
Algorithms can be presented by natural languages, pseudo code and flowcharts, etc.
Definition of Flowchart
A flowchart is the graphical or pictorial representation of an algorithm with the help of different symbols, shapes and arrows in order to demonstrate a
process or a program. With algorithms, we can easily understand a program. The main purpose of a flowchart is to analyze different processes. Several
standard graphics are applied in a flowchart:
Terminal Box - Start / End
Input / Output
Process / Instruction
Decision
Connector / Arrow
https://www.edrawsoft.com/explain-algorithm-flowchart.php 1/4
5/11/2019 Explain Algorithm and Flowchart with Examples
Products Diagrams Templates Solutions Buy Support
The graphics above represent different part of a flowchart. The process in a flowchart can be expressed through boxes and arrows with different sizes and
colors. In a flowchart, we can easily highlight a certain element and the relationships between each part.
How to Use Flowcharts to Represent Algorithms
Now that we have the definitions of algorithm and flowchart, how do we use a flowchart to represent an algorithm?
Algorithms are mainly used for mathematical and computer programs, whilst flowcharts can be used to describe all sorts of processes: business, educational,
personal and of course algorithms. So flowcharts are often used as a program planning tool to visually organize the step-by-step process of a program.
Here are some examples:
Example 1: Print 1 to 20:
Algorithm:
Step 1: Initialize X as 0,
Step 2: Increment X by 1,
Step 3: Print X,
Step 4: If X is less than 20 then go back to step 2.
Flowchart:
Example 2: Convert Temperature from Fahrenheit (℉) to Celsius (℃)
Algorithm:
Step 1: Read temperature in Fahrenheit,
Step 2: Calculate temperature with formula C=5/9*(F-32),
Step 3: Print C,
https://www.edrawsoft.com/explain-algorithm-flowchart.php 2/4
5/11/2019 Explain Algorithm and Flowchart with Examples
Flowchart: Products Diagrams Templates Solutions Buy Support
Conclusion
From the above we can come to a conclusion that a flowchart is pictorial representation of an algorithm, an algorithm can be expressed and analyzed
through a flowchart.
An algorithm shows you every step of reaching the final solution, while a flowchart shows you how to carry out the process by connecting each step. An
algorithm uses mainly words to describe the steps while a flowchart uses the help of symbols, shapes and arrows to make the process more logical.
Download Flowchart Software and Use All Symbols and Examples:
Download Windows Version Mac Version Linux Version
3 Types of Flowcharts
How to Create a Fantastic Flowchart
Examples of Algorithm Flowchart
Top 10 Creative Flowchart Templates
Neural Network Diagram Examples
Get Started! You Will Love This Easy-To-Use Diagram Software.
Edraw Max is perfect not only for professional-looking flowcharts, organizational charts, mind maps, but also network diagrams, floor
plans, workflows, fashion designs, UML diagrams, electrical diagrams, science illustration, charts and graphs... and that is just the
beginning!
Download PC Version Mac Version
https://www.edrawsoft.com/explain-algorithm-flowchart.php 3/4
5/11/2019 Explain Algorithm and Flowchart with Examples
Download
Products
Examples Symbols
Diagrams
Diagram Types
Templates
Help
Solutions
Privacy
Buy Support
English
Copyright EdrawSoft 2014-2019; All Rights Reserved.
https://www.edrawsoft.com/explain-algorithm-flowchart.php 4/4