According to the CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide (Exam FC0-U71, 3rd Edition, 2025), a flowchart is explicitly defined as:
“A flowchart is a visual representation of a program that uses boxes to represent the logic. Flowcharts are critical in the software development process. They should be created before the code is developed, much like blueprints should be drawn before building a house. They help the developers visualize the flow of the program, making it easier to plan out the sections of code needed.”
The guide further elaborates that:
“Flowcharts show the order of operations within a program, including where data input is needed as well as decisions to be made and the logic choices. Different shapes are used to indicate different components. For example, a rectangle is used to indicate a process, whereas a diamond is used to show a decision point.”
This means the graphical depiction of how code executes step by step—including decisions and actions—is known as a flowchart, not pseudocode (which is text-based “fake code” for readability), nor branching or looping (which are logical control structures).
Additionally, in the “Exam Essentials” section of the same guide, it reinforces that:
“Understand what pseudocode and flowcharts are used for. Pseudocode is most often used to annotate the code with comments to make it easier for people to read. Flowcharts help organize the code and plan out a program.”
Verified Reference from CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide, Exam FC0-U71 (3rd Edition, 2025):
Chapter 6: Software Development Concepts — Sections “Flowcharts” and “Exam Essentials” (pages 373–374, 378).
