Computer Science Basics for Beginners

🧭 Algorithms & Flowcharts

Every program is a set of logical steps designed to solve a problem. Understanding algorithms and flowcharts is essential for planning and visualizing the flow of any software or script — especially before writing actual code.

📌 What is an Algorithm?

An algorithm is a step-by-step set of instructions to solve a specific problem or perform a task.

• Unambiguous and precise
• Should terminate after a finite number of steps
• Can be written in plain English or pseudocode

🧠 Example: Find the largest of two numbers

1. Start
2. Input A, B
3. If A > B, print A is largest
4. Else, print B is largest
5. End
  

🗺️ What is a Flowchart?

A flowchart is a visual diagram that represents the steps of an algorithm using symbols and arrows. It helps in understanding logic flow and debugging before coding.

🔶 Common Flowchart Symbols

📉 Sample Flowchart: Sum of Two Numbers

This flowchart visually represents the steps to input two numbers and display their sum.

*This diagram is just an example. You can draw or modify flowcharts using tools like draw.io, Lucidchart, or manually.*

🧠 Why Learn Algorithms & Flowcharts?

• Helps in breaking down problems logically
• Useful in interviews and exams
• Improves your ability to write clear and structured code
• Reduces bugs by planning before coding

📝 Practice Tasks

1. Write an algorithm to find the largest of 3 numbers.
2. Create a flowchart to check if a number is even or odd.
3. Design a flowchart to calculate the area of a rectangle.
4. Explain the difference between an algorithm and a flowchart.

✅ Coming Next

In the next chapter, we’ll cover Time and Space Complexity (Intro) — learn how to evaluate the performance of your code.