What is the Difference Between Algorithm and Flowchart?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚An algorithm and a flowchart are both used in computer programming to design and visualize the steps needed to solve a problem. However, they have different characteristics and purposes:
Algorithm:
- It is a step-by-step procedure or set of rules that defines how a program is to be executed.
- Algorithms are used in the domain of mathematics and computer science.
- They are written in plain text and do not use any geometrical patterns.
- Algorithms are complex to understand and difficult to debug.
- They are easy to construct and represent the concept of decidability.
Flowchart:
- It is a graphical representation of the steps a program takes to process data.
- Flowcharts can be used in various disciplines to describe a process.
- They use different types of geometrical shapes, symbols, and patterns to illustrate the steps of a program.
- Flowcharts are easy to understand and provide a clear visual representation of the program's steps.
- They are used in documenting, designing, and analyzing a program in different disciplines.
In summary, an algorithm is a step-by-step textual description of a procedure, while a flowchart is a graphical representation of the steps of a program using various shapes and symbols. Both are useful tools for creating and understanding programs, but they serve different purposes and have different characteristics.
Comparative Table: Algorithm vs Flowchart
Here is a table comparing the differences between an algorithm and a flowchart:
Feature | Algorithm | Flowchart |
---|---|---|
Description | A step-by-step procedure to solve a problem. | A diagram created with different shapes to show the flow of data. |
Complexity | Complex to understand. | Easy to understand. |
Text/Symbols | Plain text. | Symbols/shapes are used. |
Debugging | Easy to debug. | Hard to debug. |
Construction | Difficult to construct. | Simple to construct. |
An algorithm is a set of rules or instructions that define how a program is to be executed and is used to solve a well-defined computational problem. On the other hand, a flowchart is a graphical representation of the steps a program takes to process data, using various geometric patterns to illustrate the numerous actions the program carries out.
- Algorithm vs Pseudocode
- Flowchart vs Data Flow Diagram (DFD)
- Cycle vs Flow
- Graphs vs Diagrams
- Data Flow Diagram (DFD) vs UML
- Randomized vs Recursive Algorithm
- Graphs vs Charts
- Table vs Chart
- Graph vs Tree
- Sequence Diagram vs Collaboration Diagram
- Algebra vs Calculus
- Use Case Diagram vs Activity Diagram
- Agile vs Waterfall
- Maps vs Charts
- Class Diagram vs Object Diagram
- Flow Control vs Error Control
- Run Chart vs Control Chart
- Procedures vs Functions in Programming
- Pressure vs Flow