Flowchart

Flowchart

A simple flowchart representing a process for dealing with a non-functioning lamp.

A flowchart is a type of diagram that represents an algorithm, workflow or process. The flowchart shows the steps as boxes of various kinds, and their order by connecting the boxes with arrows. This diagrammatic representation illustrates a solution model to a given problem. Flowcharts are used in analyzing, designing, documenting or managing a process or program in various field

Sequence

In a computer program or an algorithm, sequence involves simple steps which are to be executed one after the other. The steps are executed in the same order in which they are written.

Selection

Selection is used in a computer program or algorithm to determine which particular step or set of steps is to be executed. This is also referred to as a ‘decision’. A selection statement can be used to choose a specific path dependent on a condition. There are two types of selection: binary selection (two possible pathways) and multi-way selection (many possible pathways).

Repetition

Repetition allows for a portion of an algorithm or computer program to be executed any number of times depednet on some condition being met. An occurrance of repetition is usually known as a loop.

An essential feature of repetition is that each loop has a termination condition to stop the repetition, or the obvious outcome is that the loop never completes execution. This is known as an infinite loop and is obviously undesirable. The termination condition can be checked or tested at the beginning or end of the loop, and is known as a pre-test or post-test, respectively.