Final answer:
Rectangular boxes in a flow chart represent a process or action, and diamond-shaped boxes indicate decision points requiring a specific answer. Understanding these conventions is key to effectively creating or interpreting flow charts.
Step-by-step explanation:
On most flow charts, rectangular boxes explain a process or action, while diamond-shaped boxes identify questions that require a specific answer. A flow chart is a visual representation of the sequence of steps and decisions needed to perform a process. Each step in the sequence is noted within a diagram shape like rectangles and diamonds. Rectangles typically contain descriptions of steps or actions, while diamonds are used as decision points that dictate the path the process will take - yes/no questions or other branching decisions.
When creating or interpreting flow charts, it is essential to recognize the importance of these shapes for effective communication of a process. The uniform use of shapes allows for quick understanding and identification of the nature of each step within a flow chart.