Flowchart Symbols Names and Functions: Explain!
Flowchart symbols are essential tools for delineating the steps in a process. Each symbol represents a different stage or action within the flowchart, from starting points to decision-making, and from data input to process completion.
Understanding the names and functions of these symbols is key to creating flowcharts that are both informative and easy to interpret. Flowchart symbols serve as the language for describing processes in a visual format.
Here are some of the most common symbols and their functions:
These symbols, when used correctly, can help to map out complex processes in a clear and concise manner.
Flowchart symbols streamline the process mapping, ensuring clarity in workflow documentation and analysis.
Key Takeaway
Comprehensive Guide to Flowchart Symbols and Their Functions
| Symbol | Name | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Oval | Terminal | Denotes the start or end of a process. |
| Rectangle | Process | Represents a step that involves action or operation. |
| Parallelogram | Input/Output | Used for data entry or retrieval. |
| Diamond | Decision | Indicates a point where a decision is required. |
| Circle | Connector | Connects different parts of the flowchart. |
| Rectangle with double-struck vertical edges | Predefined Process | Represents a set of operations that are defined elsewhere. |
| Arrow | Flow Line | Indicates the direction of process flow. |
Basic Flowchart Symbols
In basic flowcharting, we commonly use symbols to represent different operations, decisions, and flow of control. The most fundamental symbol is the oval, which signifies the start or end of a process.
Rectangles are used to depict a process or action, while diamonds represent decision points where the flowchart branches based on a condition. Arrows indicate the flow of control from one step to another.
Additionally, parallelograms are utilized to illustrate input or output operations. These basic flowchart symbols form the building blocks for creating visual representations of processes, making it easier for individuals to understand complex systems and procedures.
By understanding these symbols and their meanings, one can effectively communicate processes and decision-making logic through flowcharts.
Input/Output Symbols
The input/output symbols in flowcharts play a crucial role in representing the flow of data into and out of a system. These symbols are essential for understanding the interaction between the system and its external environment.
Exploring the functions and importance of input/output symbols provides a foundation for comprehending the flow of information within a process.
Symbol Functions Explained
Explaining the functions of input/output symbols in flowcharts is essential for understanding the communication between the flowchart and external sources.
Input symbols represent the initiation of a process, such as receiving data from an external source, while output symbols signify the result of a process, such as displaying information or sending data to an external destination.
The following table illustrates the functions of input and output symbols in flowcharts:
| Input Symbols | Output Symbols |
|---|---|
| Receive data | Display information |
| User interaction | Send data |
| Read from file | Show results |
Understanding these functions is crucial for creating comprehensive flowcharts that effectively depict the interactions between a system and its external environment.
Importance of Input/Output
The significance of input/output symbols, within the context of flowcharts, cannot be overstated, particularly in facilitating the interaction and communication between the system and its external environment.
Input symbols represent the data or information entering the system, such as user commands or sensor inputs.
Output symbols, on the other hand, represent the results or actions produced by the system, such as displaying information on a screen or printing a document.
These symbols are crucial for understanding the flow of data within a system and its interaction with the external environment.
By clearly indicating where data enters or leaves the system, input/output symbols help in designing and analyzing processes, making them essential elements in the creation of comprehensive and effective flowcharts.
Decision Symbols
At this point, we transition to discussing the Decision Symbols used in flowcharts, which play a pivotal role in representing conditional operations and branching within the process flow.
- The Decision symbol is represented by a diamond shape in a flowchart.
- It is used to depict a decision point where the process flow can take different paths based on certain conditions.
- The flowchart lines leaving the Decision symbol are labeled with the conditions or criteria that determine the direction of the flow.
- This allows for clear representation of the decision-making process within the flowchart.
- Decision symbols are crucial for illustrating the logical flow of processes, enabling a better understanding of the decision points in the overall process flow.
Connector Symbols
Transitioning from the previous discussion of Decision Symbols, the next subtopic delves into the significance of Connector Symbols in flowcharts.
Connector Symbols, represented by a circle, are used to show a connection between different parts of a flowchart or between multiple pages of a lengthy flowchart.
They are particularly useful when a process flow extends beyond a single page and helps in maintaining the flow and sequence of the chart.
Connector Symbols ensure that the reader can follow the process from one page to the next without confusion. They are also handy for avoiding clutter and keeping the flowchart neat and organized.
Understanding the function of Connector Symbols is crucial for creating clear and comprehensible flowcharts.
Predefined Process Symbols
Continuing the discussion from the previous subtopic, exploring predefined process symbols is essential for understanding their role in flowchart visualization.
Predefined process symbols represent a set of actions or operations that are already defined and standardized, simplifying the flowchart’s representation and improving its clarity.
In this context, it’s crucial to understand their functions:
- Standard Process: Represents a regular process or operation.
- Subroutine: Denotes a set of actions performed as a separate routine.
- Predefined Process: Represents a process that is defined elsewhere in the flowchart or in a separate document.
Understanding and correctly implementing these predefined process symbols enhances the overall readability and comprehension of the flowchart, ensuring that the processes and actions are accurately represented.
This understanding forms the foundation for interpreting the subsequent section about ‘terminal symbols’.
Terminal Symbols
Having examined the predefined process symbols, the discussion now transitions to the significance and functions of terminal symbols in flowchart representation.
Terminal symbols, also known as start and stop symbols, serve as entry and exit points for a process flow. The start symbol marks the beginning of a process, while the stop symbol indicates its end.
These symbols are crucial in visually outlining the flow of a process, allowing for clear demarcation of its initiation and conclusion. Their simplicity aids in easy comprehension, making flowcharts an effective tool for process visualization.
Terminal symbols play a fundamental role in guiding the reader through the logical sequence of steps, providing a clear understanding of where a process starts and ends. Their universal recognition makes them an indispensable component of flowchart design.
Conclusion
Flowchart symbols play a crucial role in representing different functions and processes in a visual manner.
By using a variety of symbols such as input/output, processing, decision, connector, predefined process, and terminal symbols, complex information can be simplified and communicated effectively.
These symbols serve as a valuable tool for depicting the flow of a process or system, and are essential for effective communication and problem-solving in various fields.
