Flowchart significance - advantages and disadvantages

A flowchart is a type of diagram that represents a workflow or process. A flowchart can also be defined as a diagrammatic representation of an algorithm, a step-by-step process approach to solving a task.

The flowchart shows the steps as boxes of various kinds, and their order by connecting the boxes with arrows. This diagrammatic representation illustrates a solution model to given problem,. Flowcharts are used in analyzing, designing, documenting or managing a process or program in various fields.

Symbols used in flowchart

Different symbols are used for different states in flowchart, for example: input/output and decision making has different symbols. The table below describes all the symbols that are used in making flowchart 

Significance of flowchart:

A flowchart is a diagrammatic representation that illustrates the sequence of steps that must be performed to solve a problem. It is usually drawn in the early stages formulating computer solutions. It facilitates communication between to write the program in any high level language.

Flowcharts are very important in the programming of a problem as they help the programmers to understand the logic of complicated and lengthy problems.

Advantages / Benefits of Flowchart-

Better explanation of program: Flowchart is a pictorial description of any program. The program created by it can easily be understood.

Effective analysis: Through the flowcharts, the program is divided into smaller parts, making effective analysis of the program.

Designing of program: Using a flowchart, your program can be designed correctly.

Systematic debugging: When any program is created, it is always tried to make it right, but still the mistake remains somewhere. These mistakes can only be known when we start the execution of the program on the computer. The mistake of this type of program, is called Bugs and the method of removing this mistake, is called Debugging. A flow chart is very helpful in detecting, locating and removing the mistake in a program.

Disadvantages / Limitations of Flowchart

Time consuming: Creating a flow chart takes more time. The flow chart is made especially for big complex problems. Which take more time and very hard work.

Difficult to make changes: If there is any modification in the flow chart, then the entire flowchart has to be recreated.

No standard: Program flowcharts, although easy to understand, but cannot be written as a standard, like others language. Nor with the help of flowcharts, it can be converted into the language of the  program. Each programmer resolves the problem in its own way and creates a flow chart accordingly.