Algorithm and Flowchart

Computers are complex machines operated using various languages and programming. These patterns and languages used to operate the computer are difficult to retain and follow, and people often make mistakes. Various tools are used to organize these programs and steps of certain things in the computer language. These tools are so common that everyone uses them without realizing their significance. In this article, the most common among these tools of writing computer programming steps are discussed in detail. The differences have been drawn between the two to clarify the reader’s concepts and better understand.

Algorithm

Whenever a person wants to explain the process of something, they often take the help of this term which is so common to use yet so difficult to explain. The algorithm is just a well-defined step of rules for doing anything. It is used for anything and everything and should not be considered technical jargon as it is a part of every action. When a child is taught to dance, they are asked to follow steps. When these steps are written somewhere step by step, it becomes an algorithm. There is always an algorithm for doing everything, which means there is always a set of rules. When someone looks at an algorithm from the perspective of using it in computers, certain things should be kept in mind —

• An algorithm should always have well-defined inputs and outputs because when steps and rules are converted into algorithms that should be homogenous and applicable by using the same process and achieving the same results

• Every algorithm is independent of any language, and it should not have any restriction of using only one language or only a set pattern of symbols. The algorithm has no barriers to its way of writing
• All the algorithms should be easily understood, which the core reason for their formation is. If an algorithm is complicated to understand, it will lose its purpose. Hence, it should always be kept in mind that algorithms are made to make things simple and most complex
• The conclusion drawn from an algorithm should be crystal clear without any hint of confusion. Furthermore, it should be written so that the scope of having more than one conclusion is not present, causing any ambiguity

Flowchart

The flowchart can be defined as the diagrammatic representation of a certain set of rules or the process of some program made in a sequence using various symbols. A flowchart is easy to understand and catchy. Most of the algorithms are represented in a flowchart when used in a presentation or for easy understanding. 

The use of flowcharts is not just restricted to computer programming, and it is also used for many different purposes. It should be clear that a flowchart is not a restrictive diagram, and anything that needs a proper understanding in easier ways than reading out lengthy statements can use flowcharts. A flow chart is created to make things easier to understand because it makes communication easier. It is often used while planning many things and explaining its process. One should always make a flowchart in as much detail as possible because the more bright a chart is, the better and deeper information will be reflected.

Differences Between Algorithm And Flowchart

It is very easy to understand the difference between algorithm and flowchart as both the terms have been briefly explained above. However, suppose someone wants to understand the difference between the two terms in just one statement. In that case, an algorithm is a process of doing something written in well-sequenced steps, and a flowchart is the pictorial representation of the same. This easily applies to both the methods in computer language. The in-depth difference between the two is discussed below.

• Need- An algorithm is needed to write the steps of computer language in a proper sequence. A flowchart represents these steps in a flow using various symbols and representations
• Understanding- Algorithms are difficult to understand even if they are written easily, but a flowchart is eye-catching and is often easily understandable
• Difficulty- An algorithm is difficult to form and understand. A flowchart is easier to form and understand because all the difficulty lies in forming these steps, which is already done in the algorithm
• Debug- This one thing makes algorithms more favoured as it’s easy to debug compared to flowcharts that are pretty difficult to debug
• Rules for formation- Although the algorithm is difficult to construct, it does not have any language barrier or any specific steps to follow. On the other hand, a flowchart has many symbols and rules to be followed during its formation

Conclusion

Algorithms are the rules and sequences made to understand things, and flowchart is the diagrammatic representation of the same. Both are interdependent in computer programming. A person will need a flowchart to explain an algorithm more easily and make a flowchart.