Lab # 08 :Introduction to software and flowchart SSUET/QR/114

LAB # 08
Deep Understanding about software flowchart using
Microsoft Visio

OBJECTIVE
Deep understanding about software flowchart using MS Visio.

THEORY
Flowcharts:
A flowchart is a graphical or symbolic representation of an algorithm. They are used to design
and develop complex programs to help the users to visualize the logic of the program so that they
can gain a better understanding of the program and find flaws, bottlenecks, and other less-
obvious features within it. Basically, a flowchart depicts the “flow” of a program. The following
table shows the symbols used in flowchart along with its descriptions System software: Helps
run the computer hardware and computer system itself. System software includes operating
systems, device drivers, diagnostic tools and more. System software is usually pre-installed on
your computer.
Advantages of Flowcharts:
A flowchart is a diagrammatic representation that illustrates the sequence of steps that
must be performed to solve a problem. They are usually drawn in the early stages of
formulating computer solutions to facilitate communication between programmers and
business people.
Flowcharts help programmers to understand the logic of complicated and lengthy problems.
They help to analyze the problem in a more effective manner. Flowchart can be used to debug
programs that have error(s).

Flowchart shapes representation:

When you open the Basic Flowchart template, the Basic Flowchart Shapes stencil opens too.
Each shape on the stencil represents a different kind of step in a process. However, there is no
standard, universal meaning for the shapes – any shape can carry whatever meaning is agreed on
by the people who will create and read the flowcharts. Most flowcharts tend to use only three or
four of the shapes, unless there is a clear business reason to use more.
That said, Visio shapes have names that suggest their most common uses. Here are some of the
most common shapes:

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• Start/End:Use this shape for the first and last step of your process.

• Process: This shape represents a typical step in your process. This is the most frequently
used shape in almost every process.

• Decision: This shape indicates a point where the outcome of a decision dictates the next step.
There can be multiple outcomes, but often there are just two — yes and no.

• Subprocess:Use this shape for a set of steps that combine to create a sub-process that is
defined elsewhere, often on another page of the same document. This is useful if the diagram
is very long and complex.

• Document: This shape represents a step that results in a document.

• Data: This shape indicates that information is coming into the process from outside, or
leaving the process. This shape can also be used to represent materials and is sometimes
called an Input/output shape.

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Steps of using Visio:

Click the File tab, then Click New, click Flowchart, and then under Available Templates,
click Basic Flowchart.

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Drag a flowchart shape onto your drawing.

Connect one shape to many from a single connection point:

By default, connectors are set to Right-Angle so that if you connect a single point on one shape
to three other shapes it will look like the figure below.

To have each connector radiate straight from the central point on the first shape to points on each
of the other shapes you need to set the connectors to Straight Connector as shown in the
following figure.

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✓ On the Home tab, in the Tools group, click Connector.

✓ For each shape you want to connect to, drag from the same connection point on the
first shape to a connection point on each of the other shapes.
✓ Right-click each connector and click Straight Connector.

Lab#2 Exercise:
1. Draw a flowchart to add two numbers entered by user. With the help of MS Visio tool

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2. The Basic Flowchart template in Visio comes with shapes that you can use to show many
kinds of processes, and it is especially useful for showing basic business processes like
the proposal development process. Firstly team members suggests a project then
participants decide that if it’s a good idea or not , if team rejects the idea then create
further important information and if agrees then create further important information.

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3. Draw a flowchart for Registration Form (or signup page). Mention all necessary fields to
complete your registration.

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4. Draw your own project flowchart. Mention all necessary pages for your own project.

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