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Difference Between Algorithm and Flow Chart

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4 views

Difference Between Algorithm and Flow Chart

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Uploaded by

soniramji709
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© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Difference between Algorithm and Flow chart

Algorithm and flowcharts both are used when creating new programs. An algorithm is a
step-by-step analysis of the process, whereas the flowchart explains the steps in a
graphical manner.

In this article, we are going to discuss algorithm, flowchart, and the comparison between
them. So, without any delay, let's start the topic.

Algorithm
Before solving a problem, one should know what to do, how to do it, and what types of
steps should be taken. So, an algorithm is a step-by-step method for solving a problem. An
algorithm refers to a set of instructions that define the execution of work to get the expected
results.

To make the program work properly, we must have to properly design the algorithm.
Designing the algorithm helps to utilize the computing resources effectively.

Generally, the algorithms are written in natural language or in plain English language. We
can represent algorithms via flowcharts, pseudo code, and others.

Sometimes algorithms are difficult to understand, and it is also difficult to show looping and
branching using an algorithm. Apart from programming languages or programs, the
algorithm can be designed for any problem, as it is a step-by-step solution of a program.

Advantages of algorithm
o Algorithms are easy to write.
o There is a use of human-readable techniques to understand logic.
o For big problems, algorithms can be written with moderate steps.

Disadvantages of algorithm
o Algorithms are difficult to debug.
o It is hard to show branches and loops using an algorithm.
o Jumping (or goto statements) makes the algorithm hard to trace the problems.
Now, let's see an example of an algorithm.

Example: Write an algorithm to print the numbers from 1 to 20.

Algorithm:

Step 1: Initialize a variable 'x' as 0,


Step 2: Increment the variable 'x' by 1,

Step 3: Print the variable 'x'

Step 4: If 'x' is less than 20, then go back to step 2. Otherwise, go to the next step.

Step 5: Exit.

Flowchart
The Flowchart is the most widely used graphical representation of an algorithm and
procedural design workflows. It uses various symbols to show the operations and decisions
to be followed in a program. It flows in sequential order. As an instance, a parallelogram in
the flowchart may be used to indicate input and output, a rectangular box indicates a
mathematical operation, a diamond symbol indicates the decision-making statements, and
several other symbols are used in flowcharts.

In many cases, a programmer usually makes a flowchart using paper and pencil or makes it
by connecting the shapes on a computer screen using the software. In a large system, a
flowchart is an important document for a system and individual program because it
summarizes a program's function in the form of symbols that are easy to understand and
clearly explained in English.

Advantages of flowchart
o Proper debugging
o Effective analysis
o Efficient coding
o Proper documentation
o Efficient program maintenance

Disadvantages of flowchart
o Time-consuming
o Complex
o Difficult to modify
o It has no standard
Let's see an example of a flowchart.

Example: Design a flowchart to calculate the area of a rectangle.

Solution: The flowchart for calculating the rectangle's area is represented as follows -

So, we have seen both algorithms and flowcharts along with their advantages,
disadvantages, and examples. Now, let's see the comparison between both of them.

Advertisement
Algorithm v/s Flowchart

Here, we will show the comparison chart between the algorithm and flow chart on the basis
of some characteristics.

On the basis of Algorithm Flowchart

The Flowchart is the most


widely used graphical
An algorithm is a step-by-step
representation of an
method for solving some
algorithm and procedural
problem. An algorithm refers
Basic design workflows. It uses
to a set of instructions that
various symbols to show
define the execution of work
the operations and
to get the expected results.
decisions to be followed
in a program.

Algorithm is hard to Flowchart is easy to


Comprehensibility
understand. understand.

Predefined rules are


There are no rules employed
Implementation implemented for
for algorithms.
flowcharts.

It uses plain text, which is It uses symbols such as


Symbols used written in plain English parallelogram, rectangle,
language. diamond, etc.
Flowcharts are hard to
Debugging Algorithms are easy to debug.
debug.

Flowcharts are the


Algorithms are the program's
Nature graphical representation
pseudocode.
of logic.

In Flowcharts, branching
Branching and In algorithms, it is easy to
and looping are difficult to
looping show branching and looping.
represent.

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