Flowchart Symbols in C
Introduction
“A flowchart visualizes an algorithm where variously shaped boxes represent the steps, and interconnecting arrows denote the logical flows.” The boxes represent operations, while the arrows represent the order in which operations are carried out.
Flowchart Symbols in C
The following are the most commonly used flowchart symbols to represent a flowchart.
1. Oval – Begin/End
![Flowchart Symbols in C](https://static.tutorialandexample.com/c/flowchart-symbols-in-c1.png)
The initial shape is oval. A circle or an ellipse might also describe it, but the meaning is the same. Every flow chart starts with and ends with this symbol. "begin" and "end" are best written with an ellipse.
To make the significance of the symbols more transparent, we add text inside them.
![Flowchart Symbols in C](https://static.tutorialandexample.com/c/flowchart-symbols-in-c2.png)
This denotes "start" or, said by a programmer – "An entry point for the algorithm." The "Begin" element is always the initial element of a flow chart. This is where our algorithm begins. There is just one output and no input arrows for "Begin."
![Flowchart Symbols in C](https://static.tutorialandexample.com/c/flowchart-symbols-in-c3.png)
Flow chart symbol "end". Algorithm completed. It might have numerous inputs and no output. Every scheme must have a beginning and an end symbol.
![Flowchart Symbols in C](https://static.tutorialandexample.com/c/flowchart-symbols-in-c4.png)
This is the symbol we'll use to divide large charts into manageable chunks. The circle's inbound arrow indicates that this section of the algorithm is finished and moves on to the next section. It goes without saying that the first part of the subsequent piece starts with a circle with a number and an outward-pointing arrow.
2. Rectangle – Assignment Statements
![Flowchart Symbols in C](https://static.tutorialandexample.com/c/flowchart-symbols-in-c5.png)
You will execute an operation (also known as a "statement") using a rectangle. To be more specific, we utilize them for assignment statements, which are used for altering a variable's value.
There may be one or more inputs and exactly one output in an action(rectangle) block. For illustration:
![Flowchart Symbols in C](https://static.tutorialandexample.com/c/flowchart-symbols-in-c6.png)
The variable “Number” takes the value 5.
![Flowchart Symbols in C](https://static.tutorialandexample.com/c/flowchart-symbols-in-c7.png)
Compute an equation, and store the answer in the "Area" variable.
![Flowchart Symbols in C](https://static.tutorialandexample.com/c/flowchart-symbols-in-c8.png)
A single figure can be created by combining multiple tasks that are performed in quick succession.
Putting every operation or statement on a new row while merging is an intelligent idea. A semicolon should also be used to conclude a row.
3. Parallelogram – Input / Output
![Flowchart Symbols in C](https://static.tutorialandexample.com/c/flowchart-symbols-in-c9.png)
A parallelogram flow chart symbol is used for input or output (I/O) to or from the program.
Remember that by saying "output," a program signifies that it produces something, like displaying a message on the screen. The program accepts input as input. It could happen whenever a user inputs a value for a variable.
A single output and one or more input arrows are both possible in an I/O block.
4. Rhombus – Making a decision
![Flowchart Symbols in C](https://static.tutorialandexample.com/c/flowchart-symbols-in-c10.png)
When our program needs to make a choice, we use rhombus. This is the only block that has more than one exit arrow. The rhombus symbol has precisely two outputs and one (or more) entry point.
The conditional expression it uses is correct. Both "true" and "false" answers could apply to the statement. If the outcome is true, the part indicated by the "True" (Yes) arrow represents the algorithm's next step. If the condition is false, the part indicated by the "false" (No) arrow is moved forward. Remember that you must deal with both issues and keep one from going unattended.
5. Arrows and Junctions
Arrows show the order of the blocks in the flow chart. The arrow's direction is not predetermined in any way. We decide which angle will work best for our graphics.
![Flowchart Symbols in C](https://static.tutorialandexample.com/c/flowchart-symbols-in-c11.png)
Junction flow chart symbol : Two arrows can be connected with a junction.
6. Manual Input
![Flowchart Symbols in C](https://static.tutorialandexample.com/c/flowchart-symbols-in-c12.png)
Data and information are given into a system manually
7. Subroutine
![Flowchart Symbols in C](https://static.tutorialandexample.com/c/flowchart-symbols-in-c13.png)
It represents subroutines or algorithms.
8. Document
![Flowchart Symbols in C](https://static.tutorialandexample.com/c/flowchart-symbols-in-c14.png)
This symbol is used to represent a document.
9. Merge
![Flowchart Symbols in C](https://static.tutorialandexample.com/c/flowchart-symbols-in-c15.png)
When two or more sub-lists or sub-processes combine, this is called merging.
10. Sort
![Flowchart Symbols in C](https://static.tutorialandexample.com/c/flowchart-symbols-in-c16.png)
This symbol is used for sorting a list of data.
11. Internal Storage
![Flowchart Symbols in C](https://static.tutorialandexample.com/c/flowchart-symbols-in-c17.png)
This symbol represents the information that is stored in memory during a program
12. Database
![Flowchart Symbols in C](https://static.tutorialandexample.com/c/flowchart-symbols-in-c18.png)
Database connection for reading or writing lists of data, online data storing, sorting, searching, etc
Some other Flowchart Symbols are:
![Flowchart Symbols in C](https://static.tutorialandexample.com/c/flowchart-symbols-in-c19.png)
Example Flowchart
Let us look at a flowchart example of a small algorithm using flowchart symbols.
![Flowchart Symbols in C](https://static.tutorialandexample.com/c/flowchart-symbols-in-c20.png)
Conclusion
When coding, it's crucial to think forward. Planning beforehand is recommended because coding may require some time. Using a flowchart as a reference is one method of planning. It must be clear from the flowchart which blocks of code will be utilized, where, what those codes will accomplish, and how those codes will work together. These are only a few of the various strategies coders employ to organize their coding before they even begin.