A flowchart maps out a process or decision as a series of steps connected by arrows. Each step is a node; each arrow shows which step comes next. Diamond shapes mark decision points where the path splits based on a yes/no or either/or condition.

Flowcharts are useful any time you want to visualise 'if this, then that' logic — recipes, troubleshooting guides, booking processes, or everyday decisions.

flowchart TD
    A([Fancy a hot drink?]) --> B{Tea or coffee?}
    B -->|Tea| C[Boil the kettle]
    B -->|Coffee| D[Grind the beans]
    C --> E[Add tea bag to mug]
    D --> F[Add grounds to cafetière]
    E --> G[Pour boiling water]
    F --> G
    G --> H{Add milk?}
    H -->|Yes| I[Splash of milk]
    H -->|No| J[Drink as is]
    I --> K([Enjoy your drink])
    J --> K

Flowcharts can run top-to-bottom (TD), left-to-right (LR), or in reverse. Node shapes — rectangles, rounded rectangles, diamonds, circles — each carry a visual meaning that helps readers follow the logic at a glance.