A program is a set of instructions that a computer follows in order to perform a

particular task.[computing] The chances of an error occurring in a computer program

increase with the size of the program

Algorithm and flowchart are two types of tools to explain the process
of a program. This page extends the differences between an algorithm
and a flowchart, and how to create a flowchart to explain an algorithm
in a visual way.

Algorithms and flowcharts are two different tools used for creating new programs,
especially in computer programming. An algorithm is a step-by-step analysis of the
process, while a flowchart explains the steps of a program in a graphical way.

Definition of Algorithm

To write a logical step-by-step method to solve the problem is called algorithm, in other
words, an algorithm is a procedure for solving problems. In order to solve a
mathematical or computer problem, this is the first step of the procedure. An algorithm
includes calculations, reasoning and data processing. Algorithms can be presented by
natural languages, pseudo code and flowcharts, etc.

Definition of Flowchart

A flowchart is the graphical or pictorial representation of an algorithm with the help of

different symbols, shapes and arrows in order to demonstrate a process or a program.
With algorithms, we can easily understand a program. The main purpose of a flowchart
is to analyze different processes. Several standard graphics are applied in a flowchart:

 Terminal Box - Start / End

 Input / Output
  Process / Instruction

 Decision

 Connector / Arrow

The graphics above represent different part of a flowchart. The process in a flowchart
can be expressed through boxes and arrows with different sizes and colors. In a
flowchart, we can easily highlight a certain element and the relationships between each
part.

Difference between Algorithm and Flowchart

If you compare a flowchart to a movie, then an algorithm is the story of that movie. In
other words, an algorithm is the core of a flowchart. Actually, in the field of computer
programming, there are many differences between algorithm and flowchart regarding
various aspects, such as the accuracy, the way they display, and the way people feel
about them. Below is a table illustrating the differences between them in detail.

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

It is not surprising that algorithms are widely used in computer programming. However,
it can be applied to solving mathematical problems and even in everyday life. Here
come a question: how many types of algorithms? According to Dr. Christoph Koutschan,
a computer scientist working at the Research Institute for Symbolic Computation (RISC)
in Austria has surveyed about voting for the important types of algorithms. As a result,
he has listed 32 important algorithms in computer science. Despite the complexity of
algorithms, we can generally divide algorithms into 6 fundamental types based on their
function.

Source image: www.educba.com

1. Recursive Algorithm
It refers to a way to solve problems by repeatedly breaking down the problem into sub-
problems of the same kind. The classic example of using recursive algorithm to solve
problems is the Tower of Hanoi.

2. Divide and Conquer Algorithm

Traditionally, the divide and conquer algorithm consists of two parts: 1. breaking down a
problem into some smaller independent sub-problems of the same type; 2. finding the
final solution of the original problems after solving these smaller problems separately.

The key points of the divide and conquer algorithm are:

 If you can find the repeated sub-problems and the loop substructure of the
original problem, you may easily turn the original problem into a small simple
problem.
 Try to break down the whole solution into various steps (different steps need
different solutions) to make the process easier.
 Are sub-problems easy to solve? If not, the original problem may cost lots of
time.

3. Dynamic Programming Algorithm

Developed by Richard Bellman in the 1950s, the dynamic programming algorithm is

generally used for optimization problems. In this type of algorithm, past results are
collected for future use. Similar to the divide and conquer algorithm, a dynamic
programming algorithm simplifies a complex problem by breaking it down into some
simple sub-problems. However, the biggest difference between them is that the latter
requires overlapping sub-problems, while the former doesn’t need to.

4. Greedy Algorithm

This is another way of solving optimization problems – greedy algorithm. It refers to

always finding the best solution in every step instead of considering the overall
optimality. That is to say, what he has done is just at a local optimum. Due to the
limitations of the greedy algorithm, it has to be noted that the key to choosing a greedy
algorithm is whether to consider any consequences in the future.

5. Brute Force Algorithm

The brute force algorithm is a simple and straightforward solution to the problem,
normally based on the description of the problem and the definition of the concept
involved. You can also use "just do it!" to describe the strategy of brute force. In short, a
brute force algorithm is considered as one of the simplest algorithms, which iterates all
possibilities and ends up with a satisfactory solution.

6. Backtracking Algorithm

Based on a depth-first recursive search, the backtracking algorithm focusing on finding

the solution to the problem during the enumeration-like searching process. When it
cannot satisfy the condition, it will return “backtracking” and tries another path. It is
suitable for solving large and complicated problems, which gains the reputation of the
“general solution method”. One of the most famous backtracking algorithm example it
the eight queens puzzle.

How to Use Flowcharts to Represent Algorithms

Now that we have the definitions of algorithm and flowchart, how do we use a flowchart
to represent an algorithm?

Algorithms are mainly used for mathematical and computer programs, whilst flowcharts
can be used to describe all sorts of processes: business, educational, personal and of
course algorithms. So flowcharts are often used as a program planning tool to visually
organize the step-by-step process of a program. Here are some examples:

Example 1: 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:
Example 2: Convert Temperature from Fahrenheit (℉) to Celsius (℃)

Algorithm:

Step 1: Read temperature in Fahrenheit,

Step 2: Calculate temperature with formula C=5/9*(F-32),

Step 3: Print C,
Flowchart:

Example 3: Determine Whether A Student Passed the Exam or Not:

Algorithm:

 Step 1: Input grades of 4 courses M1, M2, M3 and M4,

 Step 2: Calculate the average grade with formula "Grade=(M1+M2+M3+M4)/4"
 Step 3: If the average grade is less than 60, print "FAIL", else print "PASS".

Flowchart:
Conclusion