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5.7 Flowcharts Software

  • Page ID
    239702
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    Diagrams.net (formerly known as draw.io) is a free and easy to use service that helps you create flowcharts. The video below explains how to build a simple flowchart using Diagrams.net

    Video \(\PageIndex{1}\): YouTube Video (11:32 min): "Creating a Simple Flowchart in Draw.io Tutorial", uploaded by TodaysTuts (https://youtu.be/64MaQYyAN2w).

     

    General Rules

    There are a few rules you need to follow when constructing a diagram:

    1. You can have one and ONLY one start object

    2. The flowline has to enter the object from the top and leave from the bottom. The only exception to this rule is the decision object

    3. When working with a decision object the "Yes" flowline leaves the object from the bottom and the "No" flowline leaves from the right side of the object.

    Table \(\PageIndex{1}\): Main flowchart elements 
    Element Name Description
    Flowchart Line.svg Flowline (Arrowhead) Shows the flow of the chart by connecting two objects. 
    Flowchart Terminal.svg Terminal Terminal is used to indicate the beginning and the end of a flowchart. Usually contain words "Start" and "End". 
    Flowchart Process.svg Process Represents a process or an action in your flowchart. Normally used to identify the steps of the procedure.
    Flowchart Decision.svg Decision

    Represents a choice or a decision at the point of branching. Often formulated as a question or a statement. "Yes" line flows from bottom of diamond. "No" line flows from right side of diamond

     

    Flowchart Example

    Imagine that you have to determine concentration of arsenate in ground water. You will add silver nitrate to your sample until the concentration of silver arsenate is constant.

    1. Go to https://app.diagrams.net/

    clipboard_e93f0b1cd12ca08f283dc1a219b7d83c1.png
    Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Select "Decide later"

    2. Drag a Rounded Rectangle element to the top of the flowchart building area. Give it a label "Start". This is the first step of any flowchart.

    3. Next, use a Rectangle element to add the process. What is the process in this example?

    4. Add a Diamond element for your decision-making step. What question should you ask?

    5. Add decision flowlines. Where will the Yes line go? Where will the No line go?

    6. Add another Rectangle element for the calculations.

    7. What is the last element you need to add to complete the flowchart?

    Does your flowchart look like this?

    clipboard_e7024b1aaaac738ee91ad5ec2da14ef49.png
    Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): Flowchart Example

     

    Contributors and Attributions

    • Elena Lisitsyna 

     

     


    This page titled 5.7 Flowcharts Software is shared under a not declared license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Robert Belford.

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