What a computer does (input, process, output, store) in Intro to Computing - Flowchart & Logic Diagram

Process Overview

A computer takes information (input), works on it (process), shows the result (output), and saves data for later (store). This flow helps computers solve problems and help us every day.

Flowchart

Get Input

Yes No↓

Process Data

↓

Store Data

↓

Show Output

This flowchart shows the four main steps a computer follows: getting input, checking if input is valid, processing data, storing data, and showing output.

Step-by-Step Trace - 6 Steps

Step 1: Start and get input from user (e.g., typing numbers).

Step 2: Check if input is valid (is '5 + 3' a proper expression?).

Step 3: Process the input (calculate 5 + 3).

Step 4: Store the result in memory.

Step 5: Show the output to the user (display 8).

Step 6: End process.

Diagram

 +------------+      +------------+      +------------+      +------------+
 |   Input    | ---> |  Process   | ---> |   Store    | ---> |   Output   |
 +------------+      +------------+      +------------+      +------------+
       |                   |                   |                   |
       |                   |                   |                   |
   User types          Computer          Memory saves         Screen shows
   or sends data      calculates         the data             the result
                       result

This diagram shows the four main parts of what a computer does: input from the user, processing inside the computer, storing data in memory, and output shown on the screen.

Flowchart Quiz - 3 Questions

What is the first step a computer does when given a task?

A Get input from the user

B Show output on the screen

C Store data in memory

D Process the data

Key Result

A computer works by taking input, checking it, processing it, storing results, and then showing output in a clear step-by-step flow.