An algorithm is a description of ordered steps for solving a problem. In C language, an algorithm is a series of instructions implemented programmatically. A flowchart is a tool that graphically represents an algorithm, using different symbols and arrows to represent different operations and processes.

Algorithm is a step-by-step process of solving problems. If it is written in a form that resembles an English sentence, it is called "pseudocode."

Characteristics of the algorithm

The algorithm must have the following five characteristics:

• Input
• Output
• Finiteness
• Clarity
• Validity

Example

The algorithm for finding the average of three numbers is as follows:

• Start
• Read three numbers a, b, c
• Calculate the sum =sum(a b c)
• Calculate the average =sum/3
• Print the average Value
• End

Flowchart

The pictorial representation of an algorithm is called a flowchart.

The symbols used in the flow chart are as follows:

Name	Symbol	Purpose
Terminal	Oval	Start/Stop/Start/End
Enter /Output	Parallelogram	Input/output of data
Processing	Rectangle	Represents any processing to be performed
Decision box	Diamond	Determine the alternative path to follow
Connector	Circle	For connecting flowcharts Different parts
Flow	Arrow	Connects two symbols, also represents the execution process
Predefined procedures	Double-sided rectangle	Module (or) subroutine specified elsewhere
Page Connector	Pentagon	Used to connect two different pages of the flowchart
Loop symbol	Hexagon	Shows initialization, conditions, and increments of loop variables
Documentation	Printout	Show preparation Printed data

Example

The following is a flow chart for finding the average of three numbers:

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