Visual Basic is a programming tool created by Microsoft to build graphical user interface applications in a user-friendly environment. Programming involves studying computer languages. A flowchart uses graphics to represent step-by-step instructions to solve a problem while an algorithm is a set of instructions. Operators perform logical and mathematical operations on variables, which are memory containers. Loops repeatedly perform an action until a condition is met. Common operators include arithmetic, relational, and logical operators. Flowcharts and algorithms use variables, conditions, and logic to represent the preparation, processing, and output of a program.