What is a key characteristic of a flowchart?

A key characteristic of a flowchart is that it provides a visual representation of a process. This visual format allows users to see the sequence of steps, actions, and decisions involved in a particular process clearly and intuitively. Flowcharts utilize various standardized symbols to represent different components, such as processes, inputs, outputs, and decision points, making it easier to understand complex information at a glance.

By illustrating relationships in a step-by-step manner, flowcharts can help identify redundancies, streamline operations, and improve efficiency. They are widely used in various fields, including engineering, computer programming, process management, and education, to diagram workflows, procedural steps, and system designs.

The other choices highlight misunderstandings: flowcharts are not limited to linear processes; they can represent branching paths and decision points. They also can range from simple to complex, but their goal is clarity rather than complexity. Lastly, flowcharts are designed to illustrate decision points, making them valuable tools for analyzing scenarios where multiple outcomes may occur based on certain conditions.