Explain the importance of using flowcharts before writing a program.

Flowcharts serve as a visual tool to outline the structure of a program before coding. They help in understanding the logic, decision-making process, and flow of data within the program. By providing a clear representation of steps and interactions, flowcharts make it easier to identify potential issues early in the design phase, leading to a more structured and bug-free program. They also enhance communication among team members, making the development process smoother. Additionally, flowcharts act as a reference point, helping in debugging, maintaining, or improving the program in the future.