What does an oval symbol represent in a flowchart?

In a flowchart, the oval symbol represents the Start or End points of a process. This is crucial for indicating the beginning and conclusion of a flowchart's narrative. When you see an oval, it clearly signifies where the process begins, often labeled as "Start," and where the process concludes, typically marked as "End." This helps viewers easily identify the boundaries of the entire process depicted in the flowchart, establishing clarity and organization within the visual representation.

The use of the oval shape is a standardized convention in flowcharting, which aids in maintaining consistency across different diagrams and facilitates easier understanding of the flow of tasks or operations. By having distinct starting and ending points, it allows anyone reading the flowchart to grasp the flow of information or processes without confusion.