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What is an Algorithm and Flowchart in C Language
The algorithm is a step-by-step procedure that is helpful in solving a problem. If it is written in English-like sentences then, it is called PSEUDO CODE. It is a formula or a set of steps that solves a particular problem for a specified problem. Each step in the algorithm must be specified clearly.
A programming algorithm is a process or formula for solving a problem. It involves a sequence of specified actions that describe how to perform a task, which the computer executes consistently. An algorithm follows a procedure consisting of inputs and produces a result, known as the output.
Properties of an Algorithm
An algorithm must possess the following five properties ?
The Algorithm for finding the average of three numbers is as follows: It reads three numbers, calculates their average and sum, and then prints the average value. It involves basic arithmetic operations and simple input/output steps.
- Start
- Read 3 numbers a,b,c
- Compute sum = a+b+c
- Compute average = sum/3
- Print average value
- Stop
Diagrammatic Representation
A diagrammatic representation of an algorithm is called a flow chart. Flowcharts include inputs, outputs, sequence of actions, decision points, sequence of actions, and process measurements. Symbols used in the flowchart are mentioned below ?
Name | Symbol | Shape | Purpose |
---|---|---|---|
Terminal | Oval | ![]() |
start/stop/begin/end |
Input/output | Parallelogram | ![]() |
Input/output of data |
Process | Rectangle | ![]() |
To represent a process |
Decision box | Diamond | ![]() |
Decision operation that determines which of the alternative paths to be followed |
Connector | Circle | ![]() |
Used to connect different parts of the flowchart |
Flow | Arrows | ![]() |
Join 2 symbols and also represent flow of execution |
Predefined process | Double Sided Rectangle | ![]() |
Module (or) subroutines specified elsewhere |
Page connector | Pentagon | ![]() |
Used to connect flowcharts in 2 different pages |
For loop symbol | Hexagon | ![]() |
shows initialization, condition, and incrementation of loop variable |
Document | Printout | ![]() |
Shows the data that is ready for printout |
Flow Chart
Given below is the flowchart for finding an average of three numbers ?