Flowcharting has been defined, and two different types of flowcharts discussed. We will now take a look at the tools used in flowcharting. These tools are the fundamental symbols, graphic symbols, flowcharting template, and the flowcharting worksheet.

FUNDAMENTAL SYMBOLS.To construct a flowchart, it is first necessary to know the symbols and their related meanings. They are standard for the military, as directed by Department of the Navy Automated Data Systems Documentation Standards, SECNAVINST 5233.1 (Series). Symbols are used to represent functions. These fundamental functions are processing, decision, input/output, terminal, flow lines and connector symbol. All flowcharts may be initially constructed using only these funda-mental symbols as a rough outline to work from. Each symbol corresponds to one of the functions of a computer and specifies the instruction(s) to be performed by the computer. The contents of these symbols are called statements. Samples of these fundamental symbols, definitions, examples, and explanations of their uses are shown in figure 1-2.

GRAPHIC SYMBOLS.Within a flowchart, graphic symbols are used to specify arithmetic operations and relational conditions. The following are commonly-used arithmetic and relational symbols.

FLOWCHARTING TEMPLATE.To aid in drawing the flowcharting symbols, you may use a flowcharting template. Figure 1-3 shows a template containing the standard symbol cutouts. A template is usually made of plastic with the symbols cut out to allow tracing the outline.

PROCESS SYMBOL is used to

represent general processing functions not represented by other symbols. It depicts the process of operations resulting in a change of value, form, or location of information.

INPUT/OUTPUT SYMBOL is

used to represent any function of an I/O device. Making information available for processing is an Input function; recording processed information is an Output function.

DECISION SYMBOL is used to depict a point in a program at which a branch to one of two or more alternate paths is possible.

TERMINAL, INTERRUPT SYMBOL start, stop, halt, delay, or interrupt.

CONNECTOR SYMBOL represents a junction in a line of flow to another part of the flowchart. A common identifier, such as an alphabetic character, number, or mnemonic label, is placed within the exit and its associated entry.

FLOWLINE SYMBOL is used to represent flow direction by lines drawn between symbols. Normal direction of flow is left to right and top to bottom. If the direction of flow is other than normal, arrowheads are required at the point of entry.

Divide I by 12 assign value to R.

Enter these values through the terminal, store in locations B, D, I.

If A is NOT equal to B, take NO branch.

If A is equal to B, take YES branch.

START/STOP flow chart at this point.

This represents the EXIT point and the ENTRY point in a flowchart.

Initial processing is shown here. If the NO branch is taken, the processing block is performed again.

If the YES branch is taken, the INPUT/OUTPUT operation is performed.