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8 Algorithm and Flowchart
Your Aim
to learn about:
Algorithm Characteristics of a Good Algorithm and Flowcharts
Uses of an Algorithm Writing an Algorithm
Defining Flowcharts Solving Problems using Algorithms and Flowcharts
All humans communicate with each other using a language that has many words and tones.
Computers communicate and understand only '1' and '0'. We give instructions to the computer
in our language but it first converts it into 0 and 1 and then works according to our instructions.
Let's know more about all this.
In our daily life, we have to solve various problems by using different strategies. These strategies are
called problem solving techniques. A problem solving technique is a collection of sequential steps
to solve a problem. In the same way, programmers also use different types of techniques to solve
the problems related to programming. Some of these techniques are algorithms and flowcharts.
In this chapter, we will learn about algorithms, flowcharts and programming languages used to
develop programs.
ALGORITHM
As we know that a program is a collection of instructions. The language used to write a program is
called a programming language. Before writing a program on the computer, every programmer
must analyse the problem and write an algorithm to solve the problem.
An algorithm is a set of steps in a sequential manner to solve a problem or to complete a task.
The problem can be logical or mathematical. Algorithms are the building blocks of computer
programs. They are important to programming as recipes are for cooking. An algorithm is always
written in very simple words and precise language so that the steps can be understood easily by
everyone.
In computer terms, 'Algorithm is the sequence of steps or computer operations which
collectively solve a given problem'.
Algorithm and Flowchart 93

