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A flowchart can help visualize the steps in a system including inputs, outputs, and loops. Before you write code, you can use a flowchart to create a diagram of the steps in your algorithm and evaluate any potential issues with your logic.
To make a flowchart in SmartDraw, you start by picking one of the flowchart templates included and add steps in just a few clicks. SmartDraw aligns everything automatically so you don't have to worry about formatting, rearranging, or reconnecting steps.
To add text to a shape, just select it and type. The same is true with lines. Select any line extending from a shape and type "yes" or "no" or "true" or "false" depending on how you're trying to describe your code.
To add a connecting line for a loop, go to the line menu and select a segmented line and connect the shapes you want to link.
Every programmer's first flowchart is usually some version of "Hello World." Here's how you'd visualize that as a flowchart.
Now let's look at something more complicated, let's make a program that will check if a number is even or odd. The input in the system will be the number, then the program will check to see if it's divisible by 2 without any remainder. If it can be divided by 2, the output will be a determination that the number is even, otherwise it is odd.
The beauty of a flowchart is that it doesn't care what language you write your code in. You can be writing JavaScript or C++. A flowchart will make you focus on the abstract logic of what you're trying to accomplish without worrying about expressions and functions.
Making any type of flowchart is easy and intuitive with SmartDraw. You start by picking a flowchart template. Next, you can add and connect shapes using a pop-up menu of relevant flowchart symbols. SmartDraw has just the right amount of automation to help you keep things aligned and connected when you delete and rearrange steps.
SmartDraw is easy to work with no matter what other apps you use. You can add flowcharts to:
SmartDraw works hand in glove with most file storage systems. You can save your files directly to:
There is no need to create a parallel set of common folders and permissions, SmartDraw can just save files directly into your existing set up. You can spend less time managing software and more time on making flowcharts.
SmartDraw makes it easy to add complexity to any flowchart.
It's easy to add swimlanes to your flowcharts to help clarify responsibilities and identify gaps or redundancies in your processes.
It's also easy to add data to your flowchart shapes so you can identify process owners and costs.
Share your diagram with anyone, even if they don't own a copy of SmartDraw, with a link. You can also easily export any diagram as a PDF or common image formats like PNG or SVG.
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Choose a flowchart template below to open SmartDraw in your browser to start making a flowchart right now.
Discover why SmartDraw is the best flowchart program for developers.