Difference Between Algorithm and Flowchart
Algorithm:
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 inorder to get the expected results.
Let’s take a look at an example for a better understanding. As a programmer, we are all aware of the Linear Search program. (Linear Search)
Algorithm of linear search :
1. Start from the leftmost element of arr[] and one by one compare x with each element of arr[]. 2. If x matches with an element, return the index. 3. If x doesn’t match with any of elements, return -1.
Here, we can see how the steps of a linear search program are explained in a simple, English language.
Flowchart:
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”.
Example: Draw a flowchart to input two numbers from the user and display the largest of two numbers
Let’s see the difference between algorithm and flow chart:-
| S.NO | Algorithm | Flowchart |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Algorithm is step by step procedure to solve the problem. | Flowchart is a diagram created by different shapes to show the flow of data. |
| 2. | Algorithm is complex to understand. | Flowchart is easy to understand. |
| 3. | In algorithm plain text are used. | In flowchart, symbols/shapes are used. |
| 4. | Algorithm is easy to debug. | Flowchart it is hard to debug. |
| 5. | Algorithm is difficult to construct. | Flowchart is simple to construct. |
| 6. | Algorithm does not follow any rules. | Flowchart follows rules to be constructed. |
| 7. | Algorithm is the pseudo code for the program. | Flowchart is just graphical representation of that logic. |
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