Difference between Flowchart and Algorithm
Contents
Difference between flowchart and algorithm is the same as the difference between a movie and its story, or the difference between a fiction novel and the story, or the difference between a comics or a story.
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.
Comparison Chart
| Flowchart | Algorithm |
|---|---|
| Block by block information diagram representing the data flow. | Step by step instruction representing the process of any solution. |
| It is a pictorial representation of a process. | It is a stepwise analysis of the work to be done. |
| The solution is shown in a graphical format. | The solution is shown in a non-computer language like English. |
| Easy to understand as compared to the algorithm. | It is somewhat difficult to understand. |
| Easy to show branching and looping. | Difficult to show branching and looping |
| Flowchart for a big problem is impractical | The algorithm can be written for any problem |
| Difficult to debug errors. | Easy to debug errors. |
| It is easy to make a flowchart. | It is difficult to write an algorithm as compared to a flowchart. |
Definition of Flowchart
A flowchart is a pictorial or graphical representation of a process. Each step in the process is represented by a different symbol and contains a short description of the process step. The flow chart symbols are linked together with arrows showing the process flow direction. This pictorial representation can give a step-by-step solution to the given problem.
Advantages
- Easy to draw.
- Easy to understand the logic.
- Easy to identify mistakes by the non-computer person.
- Easy to show branching and looping.
Disadvantages
- Time-consuming.
- Difficult to modify.
- Very difficult to draw a flowchart for big or complex problems.
Example: Print 1 to 20
Definition of Algorithm
An Algorithm is a finite sequence of well-defined steps for solving a problem in a systematic manner. It is written in natural languages like English.
Advantages
- Easy to write.
- Human readable techniques to understand the logic.
- Algorithms for big problems can be written with moderate efforts.
Disadvantages
- Difficult to debug.
- Difficult to show branching and looping.
- Jumping (goto) makes it hard to trace some problems.
Example: 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