Which element of a flowchart is used to indicate a decision point?

The diamond shape in a flowchart is used to represent a decision point. This is where the flow of the process can branch based on a yes/no question or conditional evaluation. The two or more paths that emerge from the diamond indicate the different possible outcomes based on the decision made at that point in the flowchart.

For instance, in a flowchart that describes a process, you might have a decision such as "Is the input valid?" The outcome of this decision would dictate which path the process will take next. This makes the diamond a crucial element for representing logical conditions and branching in the flow of control, making it distinct from other shapes used in flowcharts for different purposes.

In contrast, circles often denote terminal points, rectangles represent processes or instructions, and parallelograms are typically used for inputs or outputs. Each of these shapes has a specific function, but it is the diamond shape that uniquely indicates decision-making within the process flow.