Advantages and disadvantages of algorithm and flowchart
2 min readDec 1, 2017
Advantages of algorithm
- It is a step-wise representation of a solution to a given problem, which makes it easy to understand.
- An algorithm uses a definite procedure.
- It is not dependent on any programming language, so it is easy to understand for anyone even without programming knowledge.
- Every step in an algorithm has its own logical sequence so it is easy to debug.
- By using algorithm, the problem is broken down into smaller pieces or steps hence, it is easier for programmer to convert it into an actual program
Disadvantages of algorithm.
- Writing algorithm takes a long time.
- An Algorithm is not a computer program, it is rather a concept of how a program should be.
Advantages of flowchart:
- The Flowchart is an excellent way of communicating the logic of a program.
- It is easy and efficient to analyze problem using flowchart.
- During program development cycle, the flowchart plays the role of a guide or a blueprint. Which makes program development process easier.
- After successful development of a program, it needs continuous timely maintenance during the course of its operation. The flowchart makes program or system maintenance easier.
- It helps the programmer to write the program code.
- It is easy to convert the flowchart into any programming language code as it does not use any specific programming language concept.
Disadvantage of flowchart
- The flowchart can be complex when the logic of a program is quite complicated.
- Drawing flowchart is a time-consuming task.
- Difficult to alter the flowchart. Sometimes, the designer needs to redraw the complete flowchart to change the logic of the flowchart or to alter the flowchart.
- Since it uses special sets of symbols for every action, it is quite a tedious task to develop a flowchart as it requires special tools to draw the necessary symbols.
- In the case of a complex flowchart, other programmers might have a difficult time understanding the logic and process of the flowchart.
- It is just a visualization of a program, it cannot function like an actual program.