๐ What is a Flowchart?
A flowchart is a diagram that uses shapes and arrows to show the steps in a process or a sequence of actions. It's like a visual map that guides you from the beginning to the end of a task or problem. Flowcharts make complex ideas easier to understand by breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps.
๐ History and Background
The earliest structured method of documenting process flow, the โflow-process chartโ, was introduced by Frank Gilbreth to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in 1921. Gilbreth's charts were quickly integrated into industrial engineering curricula. Flowcharts became a popular method for describing computer algorithms in the 1950s and 1960s.
๐ Key Principles of Flowcharts
- ๐ข Start and End Points: Every flowchart has a clear starting and ending point.
- โก๏ธ Sequence: Flowcharts show the order in which steps should be performed.
- ๐ Decision Points: Flowcharts can show where decisions need to be made, leading to different paths.
- โ Simplicity: They break down complex processes into simple, easy-to-understand steps.
๐จ Common Flowchart Symbols
| Symbol |
Name |
Function |
 |
Terminal |
Represents the start or end of the flowchart. |
 |
Process |
Represents a step or action in the process. |
 |
Decision |
Represents a point where a decision needs to be made. |
 |
Input/Output |
Represents data that enters or leaves the process. |
 |
Arrow |
Shows the direction of flow in the flowchart. |
๐ Real-World Examples
- ๐ถ Making Breakfast: A flowchart can show the steps to make toast: Get bread $\rightarrow$ Put bread in toaster $\rightarrow$ Wait for toast $\rightarrow$ Remove toast.
- ๐ง Watering a Plant: Check if the soil is dry $\rightarrow$ If yes, water the plant $\rightarrow$ If no, do nothing.
- ๐ฎ Playing a Video Game: Start game $\rightarrow$ Choose character $\rightarrow$ Play level $\rightarrow$ Win or lose? $\rightarrow$ End game or play again.
๐ก Conclusion
Flowcharts are a great way to understand and explain processes. By using simple shapes and arrows, they make complex tasks easier to follow. So next time you need to understand how something works, try creating a flowchart!