flow charts and system diagrams Flowcharts use arrows and shapes to show the flow of data through a system or process. They are an important tool as they allow developers to see if the system is working correctly before they spend time and money creating a new computer system, this initial practice is known as a dry run. Systems diagrams are less formal than flowcharts and are usually used for showing the whole system whereas flowcharts look at one part of the system. Flowcharts help to problem solve how to create a computer system and spot where there are errors in the plan.

Draw your own flowchart for a number guessing game. The computer randomly generates a number between 1 and 100. It asks the user for an input and responds with the messages “too high”, “too low” or “spot on”. It also records and tells the user how many goes it took. Finally, the program should ask the user if they want another go. Now use someone else’s chart to code the program.