Language Fundamentals in Programming
What is a Program?
a. Sets of instructions designed for
computers to perform tasks. A
program is well defined by an
algorithm.
What is an Algorithm?
b. An effective method for solving a
problem using a finite sequence of
instruction. Algorithms are used
for calculation, data processing
and many other fields.
Example:
Another way of expressing a finite
Start sequence of instruction is through
Flowchart.
What is a Flowchart?
c. Visual Representation of a
Learning Flowchart
sequence of
operations/instructions to be
performed to save a problem or
to complete the task.
Read and Analyze
d. Plays a vital role in complicated
and lengthy computer
programming problems thus
making it an essential part of
Software Development Life Cycle.
When to use Flowchart?
In programming, Flowcharting are the first things every programmer
should do before the actual coding. Flowchart must be used when the
programmer wants to describe activities, problems and solutions,
processes or decisions.
Flowchart Symbols
Name and Symbol Function
Terminal Symbol Terminal Symbol or the Start and End Symbols
are represented as rounded rectangles, usually
containing the words “Start”/”End”, or “Begin”.
This symbol indicates the Start and End point
of a process.
Process Symbol Actions are represented as rectangles and act
as basic commands for a process.
Decision Symbol Decisions is represented as diamonds. These
typically contains Yes/No or True/False
questions. Decision blocks have two or more
arrows coming out of them, representing the
different paths that can be followed,
depending on the outcome of the decision. The
arrows should always be labelled accordingly.
Path or Sequence Path or Sequence or Direction is represented
Symbol by arrows.
Input/Output Symbol Indicates the process of inputting and
outputting data. Usually represented by a
parallelogram.
On Page Connector On Page Connectors is used to connect a
broken process in a single page. Make sure to
1 be consistent with the number you are using.
1
Off Page Connector Off Page Connectors is used to connect a
1 broken process in a separate page. Make sure
to be consistent with the number you are
1
using.
How to create a Flowchart?
1. Identify the processes.
2. Observe for repetitions and conditions to be charted.
3. Write down all the possible steps to be taken in the process.
4. Mark the path of the Flowchart from start to end by connecting all
activities/actions and conditional parts.
5. Record the last step back and check for necessary repetitions.
6. Review for accuracy.
Flowchart can be used to represent our daily activities
even at home. Let’s do some examples of Flowcharting
method first before going back to Software
Development Life Cycle and their relationship.
Example Number 1: Draw a Flowchart on the process of how to
cook rice using traditional method.