A flowchart is a type of diagram that represents an algorithm, workflow or process, showing the steps as boxes of various kinds, and their order by connecting them with arrows.
Common Flowchart Symbols
Different flow chart symbols have different meanings. The most common flow chart symbols are:
- Terminator: An oval flow chart shape indicating the start or end of the process.
- Process: A rectangular flow chart shape indicating a normal process flow step.
- Decision: A diamond flow chart shape indication a branch in the process flow.
- Connector: A small, labeled, circular flow chart shape used to indicate a jump in the process flow. (Shown as the circle with the letter “A”, below.)
- Data: A parallelogram that indicates data input or output (I/O) for a process.
- Document: Used to indicate a document or report (see image in sample flow chart below).
A simple flow chart showing the symbols described above can be seen below:
Computer Science 