C Programming • Introduction to Computer, Programming & algorithms
C Programming / Symbols used in writing the flowchart

Symbols used in writing the flowchart

Notes 1 Introduction to Computer, Programming & algorithms
Quick concept

A flowchart uses standard symbols to represent different types of steps in a process. These symbols make the logic easy to read and understand.

Notes

Symbols Used in a Flowchart

A flowchart uses standard symbols to represent different types of steps in a process. These symbols make the logic easy to read and understand.

Main Flowchart Symbols

Main Flowchart Symbols

Symbol Name Purpose Example
Oval Start / End Shows the beginning or end of a flowchart. START, STOP
Rectangle Process Represents a calculation or processing step. SUM = A + B
Parallelogram Input / Output Represents data input or displayed output. INPUT A, B
Diamond Decision Represents a condition with different possible paths. A > B?
Arrow Flow Line Shows the direction of flow from one step to another. ↓
Circle Connector Connects different parts of a flowchart. A, B

1. Start / End Symbol

The Start / End symbol is used to show where a flowchart begins and where it finishes. It is commonly represented by an oval.

💡 Example

START marks the beginning and STOP marks the end.

2. Process Symbol

The Process symbol represents an operation, calculation, assignment, or processing step. It is generally represented by a rectangle.

💡 Example

SUM = A + B

3. Input / Output Symbol

The Input / Output symbol is used when data is entered into the system or when information is displayed as output. It is generally represented by a parallelogram.

💡 Examples

INPUT A, B
PRINT SUM

4. Decision Symbol

The Decision symbol is used when a condition must be checked. It is represented by a diamond and normally provides two or more possible paths.

💡 Example

A > B?

The result may be Yes or No.

A > B? / YES NO ↓ ↓ STEP A STEP B

5. Flow Line

A flow line is represented by an arrow. It shows the direction in which the flowchart moves from one step to the next.

📌 Remember

Arrow = Direction of Flow

6. Connector Symbol

A connector is used to connect different parts of a flowchart, especially when the flowchart becomes large. A small circle is commonly used as a connector.

Connectors may contain labels such as A or B to show where the flow continues.

Simple Flowchart Using Basic Symbols

The following example shows how the basic symbols work together in an algorithm for adding two numbers.

START ↓ INPUT A, B ↓ SUM = A + B ↓ PRINT SUM ↓ STOP
🧠 Easy Way to Remember

Oval → Start / End
Rectangle → Process
Parallelogram → Input / Output
Diamond → Decision
Arrow → Flow
Circle → Connector

Quick Revision

Symbol Use
Oval Start or End
Rectangle Process / Calculation
Parallelogram Input / Output
Diamond Decision / Condition
Arrow Direction of flow
Circle Connector

Important Exam Questions

Short Answer Questions

  1. What is a flowchart symbol?
  2. Which symbol is used for Start and End?
  3. Which symbol is used for processing?
  4. Which symbol is used for Input and Output?
  5. Which symbol is used for decision making?
  6. What is the purpose of a flow line?
  7. What is a connector?

Long Answer Questions

  1. Explain the standard symbols used in a flowchart with their purposes.
  2. Draw and explain the basic flowchart symbols used in programming.
  3. Explain the use of Process, Input/Output and Decision symbols with suitable examples.
🎥 Recommended Learning

Watch a simple Hindi explanation of standard flowchart symbols.

▶ Watch: Flowchart Symbols — Hindi Explanation

📝 Handwritten Notes

A short handwritten-style revision sheet of the main flowchart symbols will be provided here.

🧠 Mind Map

Use the mind map for quick revision of flowchart symbols and their purposes.