Definition:Flow Chart
Definition
A flow chart is a graphical depiction of an algorithm in which the steps are depicted in the form of boxes connected together by arrows.
Conventionally, the shape of the box representing a step is dependent upon the type of operation encapsulated within the step:
- Rectangular for an action
- A different shape, conventionally a diamond, for a condition.
On $\mathsf{Pr} \infty \mathsf{fWiki}$, the preferred shape for condition boxes is rectangular with rounded corners. This is to maximise ease and neatness of presentation: configuring a description inside a diamond shaped boxes in order for it to be aesthetically pleasing can be challenging and tedious.
Also on $\mathsf{Pr} \infty \mathsf{fWiki}$, it is part of the accepted style to implement the start and end points of the algorithm using a box of a particular style, in this case with a double border.
Also known as
A flow chart is also known as a flow diagram.
Also see
- Results about flow charts can be found here.
Examples
Factorial
An example of a flow chart, which could be used to depict an algorithm to calculate a factorial, is shown below:
Technical Note
Flow charts on $\mathsf{Pr} \infty \mathsf{fWiki}$ have been developed using the free online tool "draw.io":
Sources
- 1971: George E. Andrews: Number Theory ... (previous) ... (next): $\text {3-5}$ The Use of Computers in Number Theory
- 1997: Donald E. Knuth: The Art of Computer Programming: Volume 1: Fundamental Algorithms (3rd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): $\S 1.1$: Algorithms: Algorithm $\text{E}$