21 May 2010
Flow charts describe algorithms and programs by means of a set of graphical symbols(Alternate Process, Process, Subprocess, Data, Decision, etc.) interconnected by arrows.The flow charts follow some strict rules for their visual appearance: - A flow chart starts with a Start symbol and ends with a Stop symbol. - The variables and constants must be initialized before use. - Processes/Subprocesses have only one input and one output. Decisions have only oneinput and two outputs, correspondingly. - The flows of symbol sequences are oriented vertically on the page. The main flow is directed from the upper side to the lower side of the column. Secondary backward flowsare directed in the opposite direction. Horizontal expansions of flow charts are due to thesecondary forward and backward flows. - A flow chart should be placed on a single column and should not continue to anothercolumn. The flow charts must be self-explanatory and easy to interpret and analyze.