Some Definitions

Computer Program: a series of instructions written in a special language directing the computer to perform certain tasks.

Computer Programming: is the process of designing and creating a set of instructions which determine the possible actions the computer will execute. Typically, a high level programming language such as Visual Basic, C++, or Java is used. At the lowest level, a program can be developed in machine code (e.g. 1's and 0's).

A flowchart is a graphical means of illustrating the logical flow of a computer program. Flowcharts are useful for designing programs such as the ones needed for Visual Basic 5/6. Using a flowchart will help keep your program logical, keep you on track, and improve learning. It will also make creating your program much easier!

WHEN TO USE FLOWCHARTS?

When you want to describe activities, identify problems, identify the causes of problems, detect "bottlenecks," and define indicators.

 

Different symbols are used in a Flowchart to indicate the different types of actions in the process:

• a circle for the beginning or end of the process
• a rectangle for a step in the process (activities)
• a diamond for the decision points

Basic Flowcharting Shapes

Flowcharts use special shapes to represent different types of actions or steps in a process. Lines and arrows show the sequence of the steps, and the relationships among them. Flow charts can be used to describe programs (e.g. Visual Basic, C++, etc).

	The terminator symbol marks the starting or ending point of the system. It usually contains the word Start or End.
	A box can represent a single step ("add two cups of flour"), or and entire sub-process ("make bread") within a larger process.
	A printed document or report.
	A decision or branching point. Lines representing different decisions emerge from different points of the diamond.
	Represents material or information entering or leaving the system, such as customer order (input) or a product (output).
	Indicates that the flow continues on another page, where a matching symbol (containing the same letter) has been placed.
	Lines indicate the sequence of steps and the direction of flow.

Example:

 

Flowchart Activity

Break up into groups of 2 (or if necessary 3). Try to work with someone you haven't worked with before.

Choose one of the following activities. Work on it together.

Design a flow chart for one of the following actions/events:

• Determine the events that must occur when you run your web browser software (e.g. Internet Explorer, Netscape) to log onto the Internet. Include the actions involved in connecting to your ISP (Internet Service Provider), and consider such issues as a busy signal, account timing out, etc. Design a flowchart of the process. Use Inspiration to create the flowchart; export it as a JPG file, and upload it to the course website (Photos section) at http://my.nl.edu.
• Deterrmine the events that must occur when you change the resolution of the screen using the Desktop properties function in Windows XP. Include the question of whether the chosen resolution is supported by your monitor, as well as a step to minimize all programs before the application of the change so that no program ends up taking up more than the screen. Design a flowchart of the process. Use Inspiration to create the flowchart; export it as a JPG file, and upload it to the course website (Photos section) at http://my.nl.edu.
• Determine the events that must happen when you choose File|Print from the menu of Microsoft Word. Include the choice of a printer, size of paper, whether color or greyscale. Design a flowchart of the process. Use Inspiration to create the flowchart; export it as a JPG file, and upload it to the course website (Photos section) at http://my.nl.edu.

 

Resources

The activities here were modified from activities found at http://www.jbhs.k12.nf.ca/Integrated%20Systems%201205/index.htm.