What is the Difference Between Algorithm and Flowchart?

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:

1. It is a step-by-step procedure or set of rules that defines how a program is to be executed.
2. Algorithms are used in the domain of mathematics and computer science.
3. They are written in plain text and do not use any geometrical patterns.
4. Algorithms are complex to understand and difficult to debug.
5. They are easy to construct and represent the concept of decidability.

Flowchart:

1. It is a graphical representation of the steps a program takes to process data.
2. Flowcharts can be used in various disciplines to describe a process.
3. They use different types of geometrical shapes, symbols, and patterns to illustrate the steps of a program.
4. Flowcharts are easy to understand and provide a clear visual representation of the program's steps.
5. 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:

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.