Here are some reasons why we study flowcharts:

1. Computer programmers, software designers, and multimedia folks use flow charts to tell each other how software works, what the user of a computer program needs to do (input) and what the computer does in response (output). Since software programs are usually designed to have lots of interactivity, allowing the user to choose among lots of different options, flowcharts are one of the best ways to communicate the branching concepts.

2. Many other careers, such as, designers use flowcharts to depict steps to follow when performing a task. Through the use of flowcharts, you can convey to someone else the steps and decisions someone performs when they do something. The symbols used are universal and they allow you to condense a lot of information into a little space.

Example

The following text conveys the same thing as the diagram below:

Dial 0 then your friend's number. You will hear a tone. If you have a calling card number, dial your home phone number and the PIN number. If you don't have a calling card number, first dial that 800 number (the one they always advertize on TV). When the computer voice asks you to say your name, say your name. Then wait for your friend to answer. If you have a calling card number, you can talk to your friend's answering machine. If you don't have a calling card number, you can't, so just hang up.