I don't really understand the whole idea of Flow Charts. Can someone explain them to me? My geometry teacher doesnt do a good job explaining it. I don't understand the book either
Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "flow charts" to get these possible sources:
http://deming.eng.clemson.edu/pub/tutorials/qctools/flowm.htm
http://www.gcseguide.co.uk/flow_charts.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flowchart
http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/authoring/studio/guidebook/flow.html
I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.
Flow charts are graphical representations that depict the sequence of steps or actions required to solve a problem or complete a process. They are commonly used in computer programming, project management, and various other fields to visualize and communicate complex systems or procedures.
To create a flow chart, you typically start with a specific problem or task and break it down into smaller steps or decisions. Each step is represented by a shape or symbol, such as a rectangle, diamond, or oval, which is connected by arrows or lines to show the flow and direction of the process.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create a basic flow chart:
1. Define the problem or process you want to illustrate. This could be anything from a simple task like making a cup of coffee to a complex software development project.
2. Identify the major steps or actions involved in the process. These should be the key milestones or decision points that lead to the desired outcome.
3. Start with a symbol to represent the starting point of the process, often called the "start" or "begin" symbol. This could be a circle or oval shape.
4. Draw lines or arrows to connect the start symbol to the next step or action in the process. Use a rectangle shape to represent each subsequent step.
5. For decision points where multiple choices or conditions exist, use a diamond shape. Label each choice or condition, and draw lines or arrows to represent the different paths or outcomes.
6. Continue adding rectangles and diamonds to represent each subsequent step or decision in the process until you reach the desired outcome or solution.
7. Use additional symbols or shapes as needed to represent specific actions, such as input/output, data storage, or communication.
8. Lastly, add an end symbol, typically represented by a circle or oval, to indicate the completion of the process or problem-solving.
Flow charts can be as simple or complex as needed, depending on the complexity of the process or problem you are illustrating. They provide a clear and visual representation of the sequence of steps, helping to identify potential bottlenecks, errors, or improvements in the system.
I hope this explanation helps you understand the concept of flow charts better. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!