Flowchart Symbols

Flowchart Symbols

Introduction

• Flowcharts use standardized symbols to represent different actions and decisions
• These symbols are used to create a visual representation of a program or algorithm

Symbols and Their Meanings

• Oval: Start/End symbol
  • Indicates the beginning or end of a program or subroutine
• Rectangle: Process symbol
  • Represents a single action or process
• Diamond: Decision symbol
  • Used to represent a decision or branch in the program
• Parallelogram: Input/Output symbol
  • Represents user input or output operations
• Arrow: Direction of Flow symbol
  • Indicates the direction of flow between symbols
• Circle: Connector symbol
  • Used to connect different parts of the flowchart

Key Points

• Each symbol has a specific meaning and use in creating a flowchart
• Correct use of symbols is essential for creating a clear and accurate flowchart
• Flowcharts can be used to plan, visualize, and communicate algorithms and programs

Flowchart Symbols

• Flowcharts use standardized symbols to represent different actions and decisions, creating a visual representation of a program or algorithm.

Symbols and Their Meanings

• Oval: Start/End symbol, indicating the beginning or end of a program or subroutine.
• Rectangle: Process symbol, representing a single action or process.
• Diamond: Decision symbol, used to represent a decision or branch in the program.
• Parallelogram: Input/Output symbol, representing user input or output operations.
• Arrow: Direction of Flow symbol, indicating the direction of flow between symbols.
• Circle: Connector symbol, used to connect different parts of the flowchart.

Key Points

• Each symbol has a specific meaning and use in creating a flowchart.
• Correct use of symbols is essential for creating a clear and accurate flowchart.
• Flowcharts can be used to plan, visualize, and communicate algorithms and programs.

Composite Data Types

• Arrays store a collection of values of the same data type in contiguous memory locations.
• Each element in an array has a unique index or subscript, usually starting from 0.
• Example: an ages array stores 5 integer values.

Records (Structures)

• Records store a collection of values of different data types together.
• Each element in a record has a unique field name.
• Example: a student record with fields name, age, and grade.

Lists

• Lists are dynamic collections of values of the same data type.
• Lists can grow or shrink in size as elements are added or removed.
• Example: a scores list stores student scores.

Data Type Conversion

Implicit Conversion

• Implicit conversion is the automatic conversion of a value from one data type to another.
• Example: assigning an int value to a float variable.
• May result in loss of precision or data.

Explicit Conversion (Casting)

• Explicit conversion (casting) is the manual conversion of a value from one data type to another.
• Example: (float) x to convert an int value to a float.
• Used to avoid implicit conversion issues.

Type Coercion

• Type coercion is the automatic conversion of a value to match the dominant data type in an operation.
• Example: an int value added to a float value will coerce the int to a float.
• Important to be careful with data type conversions to avoid data loss or unexpected results.