flowchart symbols meaning

A flowchart is a graphical representation of a process or a system. It is widely used in different fields such as business, engineering, computer programming, and more. Flowcharts are helpful in understanding complex processes as they provide a visual representation of how things work. If you are new to flowcharts, the various symbols used in them might seem confusing. In this article, we will discuss the meaning of flowchart symbols in detail.

Basic Flowchart Symbols

The basic flowchart symbols represent different elements in a system or a process. These symbols are used to represent input, output, decision, process, start, and end of a process. Here are the basic flowchart symbols:

Terminator: This symbol represents the start or end of a process. It is represented by an oval shape.
Process: This symbol represents a process or an action. It is represented by a rectangle shape.
Decision: This symbol represents a decision point in a process. It is represented by a diamond shape.
Input/Output: This symbol represents input or output in a process. It is represented by a parallelogram shape.

Terminator Symbol

The terminator symbol is used to represent the start or end of a process. It is represented by an oval shape. The terminator symbol is often used at the beginning and end of a flowchart. It indicates where the process starts and where it ends. Here are some examples of how the terminator symbol is used:

Start of a Process: The terminator symbol is used to represent the start of a process. It indicates where the process begins.
End of a Process: The terminator symbol is used to represent the end of a process. It indicates where the process ends.

Process Symbol

The process symbol is used to represent an action or a process. It is represented by a rectangle shape. The process symbol is used to show the steps involved in a process. Here are some examples of how the process symbol is used:

Processing Data: The process symbol is used to represent the processing of data. It indicates the steps involved in processing data.
Performing an Action: The process symbol is used to represent the performance of an action. It indicates the steps involved in performing an action.

Decision Symbol

The decision symbol is used to represent a decision point in a process. It is represented by a diamond shape. The decision symbol is used to show where a decision needs to be made in a process. Here are some examples of how the decision symbol is used:

Yes/No Decision: The decision symbol is used to represent a yes/no decision. It indicates where a decision needs to be made between two options.
Multiple Choice Decision: The decision symbol is used to represent a multiple-choice decision. It indicates where a decision needs to be made between multiple options.

Input/Output Symbol

The input/output symbol is used to represent input or output in a process. It is represented by a parallelogram shape. The input/output symbol is used to show where data is input or output in a process. Here are some examples of how the input/output symbol is used:

Input of Data: The input/output symbol is used to represent the input of data into a process. It indicates where data is input into a process.
Output of Data: The input/output symbol is used to represent the output of data from a process. It indicates where data is output from a process.

Advanced Flowchart Symbols

Advanced flowchart symbols are used to represent more complex elements in a system or a process. These symbols are used to represent loop, off-page reference, connector, and more. Here are the advanced flowchart symbols:

Loop: This symbol represents a loop in a process. It is represented by a curved arrow shape.
Off-page Reference: This symbol is used to represent a reference to another page or process. It is represented by a rectangle shape with a curved line.
Connector: This symbol is used to connect different parts of a flowchart. It is represented by a circle shape.
Delay: This symbol is used to represent a delay in a process. It is represented by a half-circle shape.
Predefined Process: This symbol is used to represent a predefined process in a flowchart. It is represented by a rectangle shape with double lines.

Loop Symbol

The loop symbol is used to represent a loop in a process. It is represented by a curved arrow shape. The loop symbol is used to show where a process needs to be repeated multiple times. Here are some examples of how the loop symbol is used:

Looping Through Data: The loop symbol is used to represent looping through data. It indicates where data needs to be looped through multiple times.
Looping Through Actions: The loop symbol is used to represent looping through actions. It indicates where actions need to be looped through multiple times.

Off-page Reference Symbol

The off-page reference symbol is used to represent a reference to another page or process. It is represented by a rectangle shape with a curved line. The off-page reference symbol is used to show where a process or system is referenced on another page or process. Here are some examples of how the off-page reference symbol is used:

Referencing Another Process: The off-page reference symbol is used to represent a reference to another process in a flowchart. It indicates where another process is referenced on another page or process.
Referencing Another System: The off-page reference symbol is used to represent a reference to another system in a flowchart. It indicates where another system is referenced on another page or process.

Connector Symbol

The connector symbol is used to connect different parts of a flowchart. It is represented by a circle shape. The connector symbol is used to show where different parts of a flowchart are connected. Here are some examples of how the connector symbol is used:

Connecting Different Processes: The connector symbol is used to connect different processes in a flowchart. It indicates where different processes are connected.
Connecting Different Decision Points: The connector symbol is used to connect different decision points in a flowchart. It indicates where different decision points are connected.

Delay Symbol

The delay symbol is used to represent a delay in a process. It is represented by a half-circle shape. The delay symbol is used to show where a delay occurs in a process. Here are some examples of how the delay symbol is used:

Delay in Data Processing: The delay symbol is used to represent a delay in data processing. It indicates where a delay occurs in processing data.
Delay in Action Performance: The delay symbol is used to represent a delay in performing an action. It indicates where a delay occurs in performing an action.

Predefined Process Symbol

The predefined process symbol is used to represent a predefined process in a flowchart. It is represented by a rectangle shape with double lines. The predefined process symbol is used to show where a process has already been defined. Here are some examples of how the predefined process symbol is used:

Using a Predefined Process: The predefined process symbol is used to represent the use of a predefined process in a flowchart. It indicates where a predefined process is used.
Referencing a Predefined Process: The predefined process symbol is used to represent a reference to a predefined process in a flowchart. It indicates where a predefined process is referenced.

Conclusion

Flowchart symbols are used to represent different elements in a system or a process. The basic symbols represent input, output, decision, process, start, and end of a process. The advanced symbols represent loop, off-page reference, connector, delay, and predefined process. Understanding the meaning of flowchart symbols is essential in creating accurate and effective flowcharts. We hope this comprehensive guide has been helpful in understanding flowchart symbols.