Flowchart Symbols
1. Standard Flowchart Symbols
Using the correct shapes is essential for exam marks. Each shape represents a specific type of instruction.
| Shape | Name | Function |
|---|---|---|
START / STOP |
Terminator | Used at the very beginning and the end of every flowchart. |
X ← A + B |
Process | Used for calculations or assigning values to variables. |
INPUT / OUTPUT |
Input / Output | Used when the program gets data from a user or displays a result. |
| Decision | Used for Selection (IF statements). Has two exit paths: Yes and No. | |
PRE-DEFINED |
Pre-defined Process | Used for Subroutines or Functions defined elsewhere. |
2. Example Algorithm: Pass/Fail Checker
Let's represent an algorithm that asks for a student's mark and tells them if they passed (Pass mark = 50).
START
↓
INPUT Mark
↓
Mark ≥ 50?
YES
↓
OUTPUT "Pass"
NO
↓
OUTPUT "Fail"
↓
STOP
3. Drawing Rules
- Flowcharts should generally flow from top to bottom or left to right.
- Arrowheads must be used on all lines to show the direction of flow.
- Decision symbols must have exactly two output lines, clearly labeled (e.g., True/False or Yes/No).
⚠️ Exam Warning: Do not confuse the Process (Rectangle) with the Input/Output (Parallelogram). Marks are frequently lost for using a rectangle when asking for a user's name!