An Introduction to Java and Program Design - Java Programming: Comprehensive Concepts and Techniques - page 17

solving the problem. Most of the time, each step in solving a problem is repre-
sented by a separate symbol. Most of the flowcharting symbols, except the
decision diamond, have one entering flowline and one exiting flowline. Inside
the symbol, you write words describing the logical step. Flowcharts typically do
not display programming language commands. Rather, they state the concept in
English, pseudocode, or mathematical notation. After the last step, you end a
flowchart with a final flowline connected to another terminal symbol. Appendix
A includes a more detailed discussion of how to develop flowcharts.

Table 1-2 Flowcharting Symbols and Their Meanings

SYMBOL NAME MEANING

Process Symbol Represents the process of executing a defined

operation or group of operations that results in a
change in value, form, or location of information;
also functions as the default symbol when no other
symbol is available

Input/Output (I/O) Symbol Represents an I/O function, which makes data

available for processing (input) or for displaying
processed information (output)

Flowline Symbol Represents the sequence of available information

and executable operations; lines connect other
symbols; arrowheads are mandatory only for right-
to-left and bottom-to-top flow

top to
bottom

left to right

bottom
to top

right to left

Annotation Symbol Represents the addition of descriptive information,

comments, or explanatory notes as clarification;
vertical lines and broken lines may be placed on
the left, as shown, or on the right

Decision Symbol Represents a decision that determines which of a

number of alternative paths is to be followed

Terminal Symbol Represents the beginning, the end, or a point of

interruption or delay in a program

Connector Symbol Represents any entry from, or exit to, another part

of the flowchart; also serves as an off-page
connector

or

Predefined Process Symbol Represents a named process consisting of one or

more operations or program steps that are
specified elsewhere