Differences between Algorithm and Flowchart

Table of Contents

Overview

Let’s learn the differences between an algorithm and a flowchart in this tutorial. An algorithm is textual steps to solve the given problem, whereas a flowchart is a diagram with symbols to solve the problem.

An algorithm is steps to solve a problem in a natural language like English. A flow chart is a diagrammatic or pictorial representation of the algorithm or the plan for the solution of a problem.

Algorithm vs Flowchart

Some of the differences between an algorithm and a flowchart are as follows:

Algorithm	Flowchart
An algorithm is a finite set of step-by-step instructions to solve a program.	A flow chart is a diagrammatic representation of the algorithm or solution to a problem.
The algorithm gives verbal representation in a natural language like English.	The flowchart gives the pictorial representation.
Algorithms are easy to understand.	To understand flowcharts one has to be familiar with the flowchart symbols.
Algorithms don’t require any tools. Algorithms can be typed in text.	Flowcharts cannot be typed in text. Flowcharts require tools to draw. We can use paper and a pen to draw. Examples: Flowgorithm, RAPTOR, Lucidchart, Visual Paradigm.
Algorithms are independent of programming languages.	Flowcharts use predefined standard flowchart symbols only.