Flow chart symbols for Input, Process, Output and Yes/No Questions are used to represent programs as a diagram.
An Example
Here is a simple example for a thermostat and a heater.
Turning things on or off is an OUTPUT.
A time delay is a process.
Note the Loop. This is where part of the flow chart gets repeated because the arrows jump back to an earlier step in the chart.
The Symbols
The main flow chart symbols are ...
ellipses for the start and end points of the flow chart
boxes to represent processes (do something)
diamonds to represent questions, usually with a yes/no answer
small labelled circles to join the pages of multi-page flow charts
slanty boxes for inputs and outputs
An Example
Flow charts are very useful for describing a sequence of steps, possibly also involving simple decisions and actions.
Microcontroller code can be much easier to produce if a flow chart is available as a guide.
Flow charts are used to represent inputs, processes, decisions and outputs.
Computer programs are often documented with flow charts. The code is hard to follow but a diagram gives a clear visual overview of what the program does.
Flow charts are usually read left to right and top down, like normal Roman text.
Flow lines should be labelled with arrows. This is especially important if the arrow is going up or right to left.
Common Mistakes
Forgetting to label the boxes
Forgetting to put direction arrows on the links
Forgetting the yes/no labels on decision boxes
Yes there is a missing arrow in the diagram above!
A Bit more Fun
Subject NameLevelTopic NameQuestion HeadingFirst NameLast NameClass IDUser ID
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