Constructing Logic Flow Diagrams
A logic flow diagram can be put to an amazing variety of uses. These very simple logic flow diagrams let you clearly represent the logic underlying a certain process which gives a nice balance between the conditions for the processes and the execution of actions in accordance with it. Logic flow diagrams also give you a clear idea about the loopholes in the whole system, which was the root cause of problems you were facing during the process. The logic flow diagram uses the following symbols: · Process Box - used to show the effect of a process or action taken · Termination - the start or end of the logic flow diagram · Flow of Control - the direction of movement of all the symbols and their relation with each other · Decision Diamond - used to decide the action to be taken, based on the consequence, which is either 'true' or 'false' Rules for construction of a logic flow diagram There are some rules one has to adhere to, in order to construct a logic flow diagram. They are as follows: 1. The flow of control should always start from the top and end below. So the movement has to be vertical and from top to bottom. 2. Control flows should see to it that they always end the process and do not leave it half way. 3. The control flow should finish its course in a process box, be it a decision diamond or terminator. 4. Decision diamonds should have only two options, yes or no. 5. A feedback loop should have a point where it can end properly and not go on in a vicious cycle, without reaching a decision. 6. Normally, a decision box should have only one way to end. If there is more than that, you will have to insert a decision diamond. Pluses and minuses of logic flow diagrams While logic flow diagrams are easy to create and interpret, they have a few hassles too. Some of their drawbacks are as follows: Logic flow diagrams very often have the GoTo kind of statements, which may sometimes have broken links, thereby leading you to create a mechanism that might not have the necessary built-in logic required for it. This might end up creating a lot of confusion in the end, as it will get difficult, if not downright impossible, for you to find your way through it. Logic flow diagrams can get very difficult and laborious to draw and create, unless you have efficient logic flow diagram-creating software. There are far too many processes involved in a logic flow diagram and so, they cannot be represented together with ease. Unless you give the logic flow diagram a structural design, you could get enmeshed in creating the various decision boxes and decision diamonds, thereby creating a problem both for yourself and for someone else trying to interpret it. Conclusion While it is great to have a logic flow diagram, it takes a lot of pains to manually create a good one that really works. In stead, you could just as easily use readily available software to create logic flow diagrams for you. |
