Difference between Flowchart and Algorithm

Difference between Flowchart and Algorithm

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.

Difference between Flowchart and Algorithm
Difference between Flowchart and Algorithm

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