In a flowchart, which shape marks the start or end of the process?

• A. Process
• B. Input/Output
• C. Terminator
• D. Decision

Answer: (C)

In flowcharts, the shape used to mark the beginning and the end is the Terminator, usually drawn as an oval (or pill shape). This shape clearly signals entry and exit points of the process, setting apart the start and end from the actual steps in between. Other shapes have different roles: a rectangle shows a process step, a parallelogram indicates input or output, and a diamond represents a decision that branches the flow. So the Terminator is used for start and end because it instantly identifies the entry and exit points of the workflow.