What does a flowchart primarily illustrate?

A flowchart primarily illustrates the steps in a process, making it a powerful tool for visualizing workflows, procedures, or sequences of events. It uses standardized symbols, such as arrows to indicate direction and various shapes to represent different types of actions or decisions. By laying out each step in a clear and logical manner, flowcharts help individuals understand complex processes at a glance. They are particularly useful for identifying how tasks progress from one phase to another, showcasing dependencies and relationships between various components.

In contrast, the other options focus on different types of information or data. Statistical data is represented through graphs or tables rather than flowcharts, which are more about the sequence of actions. Financial projections involve numerical forecasts and data analysis, again more suited to charts or spreadsheets. Comparative analyses emphasize the evaluation of two or more subjects, often using comparative tables or charts, rather than depicting a process flow. Thus, focusing on the stepwise illustration of processes clearly distinguishes flowcharts in the realm of technical communication.