Flowcharts for C Programming

Flowchart is a graphical representation of the sequence of operations performed to solve a given problem.  In other word we can say flowchart is graphical representation of an algorithm. Flowcharts show how data flows from one step to other throughout the program.

 A Flowchart

o   shows logic of an algorithm

o   emphasizes individual steps and their interconnections

o   e.g. control flow from one action to the next

There are some standard symbols used to draw flowchart.

Advantages of flowchart:

1. The Flowchart is an excellent way of communicating the logic of a program.
2. It is easy and efficient to analyze problem using flowchart.
3. During program development cycle, the flowchart plays the role of a guide or a blueprint. Which makes program development process easier.
4. After successful development of a program, it needs continuous timely maintenance during the course of its operation. The flowchart makes program or system maintenance easier.
5. It helps the programmer to write the program code.
6. It is easy to convert the flowchart into any programming language code as it does not use any specific programming language concept.

Disadvantage of flowchart

1. The flowchart can be complex when the logic of a program is quite complicated.
2. Drawing flowchart is a time-consuming task.
3. Difficult to alter the flowchart. Sometimes, the designer needs to redraw the complete flowchart to change the logic of the flowchart or to alter the flowchart.
4. Since it uses special sets of symbols for every action, it is quite a tedious task to develop a flowchart as it requires special tools to draw the necessary symbols.
5. In the case of a complex flowchart, other programmers might have a difficult time understanding the logic and process of the flowchart.

It is just a visualization of a program, it cannot function like an actual program

*Note: RAPTOR tool is used for flowchart .