flowchart symbols examples

Flowcharts are diagrams that show the flow of a process or system. They are used to simplify complex ideas and represent them in a clear and concise manner. Flowcharts are widely used in various fields, including business, engineering, and computer programming. To create an effective flowchart, you need to know the different symbols and their meanings. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to flowchart symbols examples.

The Basic Flowchart Symbols

The basic flowchart symbols are used to represent the different steps in a process. These symbols are universally recognized, and they’re easy to understand. Here are some examples:

1. Start/End: This symbol represents the beginning or end of a process. It’s usually represented by a circle or an oval.
2. Process: This symbol represents a task or activity in the process. It’s usually represented by a rectangle.
3. Decision: This symbol represents a decision point in the process. It’s usually represented by a diamond.
4. Connector: This symbol represents the connection between two points in the process. It’s usually represented by a circle with a line through it.
5. Data: This symbol represents data input or output in the process. It’s usually represented by a parallelogram.

Advanced Flowchart Symbols

Advanced flowchart symbols are used to represent more complex processes. These symbols are not as widely recognized as the basic symbols, but they’re still important to know. Here are some examples:

1. Delay: This symbol represents a delay or a pause in the process. It’s usually represented by a half-circle.
2. Loop or Iteration: This symbol represents a loop or an iteration in the process. It’s usually represented by a rectangle with an arrow pointing back to the beginning of the loop.
3. Predefined Process: This symbol represents a process that has already been defined. It’s usually represented by a rectangle with double vertical lines on each side.
4. Manual Input: This symbol represents manual input in the process. It’s usually represented by a trapezoid with the top cut off.
5. Manual Operation: This symbol represents a manual operation in the process. It’s usually represented by a trapezoid with the bottom cut off.

Flowchart Examples

Now that you know the different flowchart symbols, let’s take a look at some flowchart examples:

Example 1: Simple Flowchart

Source: i.imgur.com

In this example, we’re showing the process of making a cup of coffee. We start with boiling water, then add coffee grounds to a filter, pour the hot water over the coffee, and finally enjoy the coffee.

Example 2: Complex Flowchart

Source: i.imgur.com

In this example, we’re showing the process of booking a flight. We start with searching for flights, then selecting a flight, entering passenger information, paying for the flight, and finally receiving a booking confirmation.

Conclusion

Flowcharts are an effective way to represent complex processes in a clear and concise manner. The different flowchart symbols represent the different steps in a process, and understanding them is crucial to creating an effective flowchart. We hope this comprehensive guide to flowchart symbols examples has been helpful to you.