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Difference between Algorithm and Flowchart

                 Let us look at the differences between an algorithm and a flowchart.

                                      Algorithm                                          Flowchart

                  It is a step-by-step textual approach to solve a   It is a graphical representation of a algorithm.
                  problem.
                  It can be written in natural language, pseudocode,   It uses standardised symbols and shapes.
                  or code.

                                                                     Easily represents branching and looping through
                  Difficult to represent branching and looping.
                                                                     symbols.

                  Errors can be identified through testing and       Errors can be identified through review and
                  debugging.                                         walkthroughs.
                  Can be used for simple, complex or long processes.  Advisable to use only for simple processes.



                         Programming Language

                 A programming language is a formal language that specifies a set of instructions that can be used to produce
                 various kinds of output. It has its own vocabulary and set of grammatical rules for instructing a computer to
                 perform specific tasks.
                 For example, BASIC, Pascal, C, C++, Java, Haskell, Ruby, Python, etc. are some popular programming languages.


                 What is a computer program?

                 A computer program is a set of instructions written in any programming language that perform a specific task
                 when executed by a computer. These instructions are executed by the computer's processor to achieve the
                 desired output.

                 In this unit we will learn about Python as a programming language to write computer programs.

                         What is Python?


                 Python is a general-purpose, object-oriented, easy-to-learn and high-level programming language. Guido van
                 Rossum designed Python and released it in 1991. He wanted to give a unique name to it so he named it after
                 the famous BBC comedy TV show "Monty Python's Flying Circus".

                 Python as a language supports simple English-like statements, making it easy for programmers to learn and
                 maintain. This is one important reason for its popularity.


                         Important Features of Python

                 Python is a very popular programming language. Let us study some of its important features to find out the
                 reasons for its popularity:
                    • High-Level Language: Python is a high-level and general-purpose programming language which simplifies the
                   process of developing a program. The code written in Python is more close to human language and away from
                   machine language.
                    • Easy to Learn and Use: Python has simple, English-like statements that are easy to learn and use. Anyone can
                   easily get used to its syntax and have expertise in it.

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