Which symbol in a flowchart represents an action or process?

In a flowchart, the rectangle symbolizes an action or process. This geometric shape is widely used to denote specific tasks or operations within a sequence of steps. When you see a rectangle, it indicates that a particular action is taking place, such as a calculation, a decision made, or a step that needs to be performed.

Understanding this symbolism is vital for effectively reading and creating flowcharts, as it allows one to clearly visualize what actions or processes are involved in a sequence. The other shapes, while important in flowcharting, serve different functions: for instance, the diamond typically represents a decision point, where a yes/no question is posed, guiding the flow in different directions based upon the outcome. The circle may indicate the start or end of a flowchart, while the parallelogram usually represents input or output. Recognizing these distinct purposes helps in accurately interpreting and designing flowcharts.