Syllabus Detail
- flow charts 11 ATAR, 12 GEN
Background
- Flow charts are often used for planning logical tasks in system planning
- They present an easy to understand graphical representation of how a system functions
- A flow chart shows the method of processing as opposed to the actual data being processed
Flow Chart Explanation
- Look at the flow chart diagram on the right hand side of the page
- In the top bubble we can immediately see the problem (the lamp does not work)
- The actions (or processing) are represented with a rounded rectangle
- The boolean decisions are represented with a diamond
- Following the arrows downwards we come to our first decision making process
- These are boolean (true or false) decicions which then effect the system's next steps
- Think of these as graphical IF-THEN-ELSE statements
- If the statement is false (e.g. "Lamp plugged in?") then the movement of the flow chart changes (to the right)
- If the statement is true (e.g. "Bulb burned out?") then the movement of the flow chart continues to the next step (downwards)
- There's no limit to how long a flow chart can be, nor how many decisions and consequential actions can exist
Why Flow Charts for Computer Science?
- Flow charts provide a clear, concise and easy understanding of how a system will function
- It's easy to make sense of and follow a logical progression of steps when symbolised with shapes
- Since computer's only understand logic, flow charts provide a simple approach to often complex logical systems
Flow Chart Symbols
- A decision is represented with a diamond
- A process is represented with a rectangle
- An input or output is represented with a parallelogram
- Data flows (the direction of the processes within a flow chart) is represented by an arrow
Further Research
Worksheet and Practice (yet to be added)
Found an error or have an enhancement? Please let us know via this contact form
