A simple flowchart, which shows what to do, when a lamp does not work.

A flow chart, also known as a flowchart, is a type of diagram, made of boxes and arrows. It can be used to show:

• An algorithm, a step-by-step list of directions that need to be followed to solve a problem
• A process, a series of stages in time where the last stage is the product, result or goal.
• The planned stages of a project.

The flow chart uses boxes, arrows and other elements:

• Boxes show the process operations, the various steps and actions.
• Arrows show the order of the steps, and/or different options.
• Other elements representing materials involved, decisions, people, time or process measurements.