To execute a statement through multiple cases’ value comparison, programmers have two main ways. Coming first is the if-else statement, which outputs the decision according to the expression result.
However, this selection expression often comes with complicated experiences when nesting multiple if statements for executing various situations.
In terms of proactivity and less complexity, the switch case statement appears as a second choice that offers a more convenient implementation. Accompanying this method is the switch case flowchart that displays control flows visually for easy understanding.
If you want to explore how applying a switch case flowchart facilitates the coding experience, let’s stay tuned to this article for more information.
What Is A Switch Case Flowchart?
A switch case flowchart describes program execution via a graphical representation for simplifying computer programming languages. By displaying a consistent logical sequence between code blocks, the chart brings an easy way to manage multiple cases. This is one of the use cases of flowchart in programming.
In terms of the flowchart’s structure, it includes the entrance expression, cases’ conditions, and the default block. Additionally, you can add a break announcement block anywhere to skip a labeled announcement for jumping right to the end.
Specifically, users can understand the needed conditions that execute the value of the expression of switch blocks. Thus, defining the keyboard command to run the announcement.
Apart from supporting programming tasks, the switch case flowchart has a wide range of other applications, such as:
- Simple calculator configuration
- Selections of available food items at restaurants
- Architectural services
- Shipping services, especially for retail businesses
- Hospitality services with the help of tracking customers to provide essential services
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Switch Case Flowchart
Advantages
The switch case flowchart is beneficial to the programming process by enabling a general view of switching cases and default statements. Due to the overall mechanism illustrated on the chart, the program developer can easily read and debug the errors. Besides, the related departments joining the program operation can understand effortlessly to optimize the work’s effectiveness.
Another benefit comes from the less intricateness when compared to the if-else statement method. Specifically, the switch case flowchart helps avoid creating multiple sequences that lead to complicated conditions.
Besides, when illustrating the announcement via the graphical representation, you will implement that more conveniently with the switch statement type. For the sake of various additional nodes and correspondent edges created, it might be an annoying experience when conducting the if-else statement flowchart.
The implementation of switch statements executes faster due to an indexed branch table. If the expression’s value matches the case, the branch table will transfer the data to another part of the program. Thus, reducing the instruction path lengths.
Disadvantages
The switch statement flowchart includes various branches that make it complicated to operate. Meanwhile, the if-else statement follows only two paths, depending on the expression value (true or false).
The syntax of the shift announcement only works with integers to modify the program flows. As a result, it doesn’t come with the options for strings and floating points. Moreover, it also disallows working with ranges (except explicitly enumerated).
Due to not allowing variable conditions, the matching value for a case is always constant. Besides, instead of waiting for a signal of condition fulfillment to continue running, the shift expression uses a break statement to end a sequence. For some program developers, even the expert ones, the break statement can be a source of bugs when not remaining as the default statement of the case.
How Does The Switch Statement Work?
The switch statement implements program execution by comparing output values of multiple cases. When spotting a matching value, the program will execute the block code of a labeled case. Otherwise, the default block will be automatically on the operation when detecting no matching value.
The break statement is optional for skipping a labeled condition to terminate the sequence. When running the break statement, the execution continues to the next case. If the default block is not at the end of the structure, you should place the break statement right after it to end the sequence without processing the following case.
How To Create A Switch Statement Flowchart?
The Complete Steps
Here is the complete guide to creating a standard switch statement flowchart:
- Open a blank page to create a new flowchart
- Add flowchart symbols with relevant shapes to describe the program flow
- Add condition cases and block code content
- Arrange the symbols and connect them
- Choose the background theme for a more lively visualization
- Save and export the result
4 Basic Flowchart Symbols
When coming to the adding-symbol step, you should pay attention to the meaning of the top flowchart symbols:
- The oval represents the beginning or an end of a process
- The rectangle means a step of the overall process
- The arrow indicates a directional flow
- The diamond works as a decision
Conclusions
The switch case flowchart depicts a general view of the program flows for easy control. On account of advantages related to visual optimization and fast execution, programmers will have a convenient coding experience.
However, this flowchart stills remains a few limitations that slow the progress in some situations. Therefore, you should consider it carefully before choosing the flowchart for supporting your coding work.
