Algorithm and Flowchart

What is Algorithm?

The word “algorithm” relates to the name of the mathematician Al-khowarizmi, which means a procedure or a technique.

The word Algorithm means “a process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations”. Therefore Algorithm refers to a set of rules/instructions that step-by-step define how a work is to be executed upon in order to get the expected results. 

It can be understood by taking an example of cooking a new recipe. To cook a new recipe, one reads the instructions and steps and execute them one by one, in the given sequence. The result thus obtained is the new dish cooked perfectly. Similarly, algorithms help to do a task in programming to get the expected output.

"a logical step-by-step method to solve the problem is called algorithm"

What is Flowchart?

A flowchart is a blueprint that pictorially represents the algorithm and its steps. Flowchart is diagrammatic /Graphical representation of sequence of steps to solve a problem. 

A flowchart is a graphical representation of an algorithm. Programmers often use it as a program-planning tool to solve a problem. It makes use of symbols which are connected among them to indicate the flow of information and processing.

The process of drawing a flowchart for an algorithm is known as “flowcharting”.

To draw a flowchart following standard symbols are use

 

Difference between Algorithm and Flowchart

Algorithm	Flowchart
It is a procedure for solving problems.	It is a graphic representation of a process.
The process is shown in step-by-step instruction.	The process is shown in block-by-block information diagram.
It is complex and difficult to understand.	It is intuitive and easy to understand.
It is convenient to debug errors.	It is hard to debug errors.
The solution is showcased in natural language.	The solution is showcased in pictorial format.
It is somewhat easier to solve complex problem.	It is hard to solve complex problem.
It costs more time to create an algorithm.	It costs less time to create a flowchart.

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 1) Algorithm & Flowchart to find the sum of two numbers

Algorithm:

Step-1 Start
Step-2 Input first numbers say A
Step-3 Input second number say B
Step-4 SUM = A + B
Step-5 Display SUM
Step-6 Stop

Flowchart:

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 2)Algorithm & Flowchart to Print 1 to 20.

Algorithm:
Step 1: Initialize X as 0,
Step 2: Increment X by 1,
Step 3: Print X,
Step 4: If X is less than 20 then go back to step 2.

Flowchart:

 

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3) Algorithm & Flowchart to Determine and Output Whether Number N is Even or Odd

Algorithm:

• Step 1: Read number N,
• Step 2: Set remainder as N modulo 2,
• Step 3: If remainder is equal to 0 then number N is even, else number N is odd,
• Step 4: Print output.

Flowchart:

 

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4) Algorithm & Flowchart to find Area and Perimeter of Rectangle

L : Length of Rectangle
B : Breadth of Rectangle
AREA : Area of Rectangle
PERIMETER : Perimeter of Rectangle

Algorithm:

Step-1 Start
Step-2 Input Side Length & Breadth say L, B
Step-3 Area = L x B
Step-4 PERIMETER = 2 x ( L + B)
Step-5 Display AREA, PERIMETER
Step-6 Stop