What is the primary role of a flow diagram in programming?

The primary role of a flow diagram in programming is to represent algorithms visually. Flow diagrams, or flowcharts, use various symbols and arrows to illustrate the steps and decision-making processes involved in a particular algorithm. This visual representation makes it easier for programmers and stakeholders to understand how the program operates, how data flows through it, and where decisions are made. By providing a clear, accessible format, flow diagrams aid in planning, troubleshooting, and communicating the logic of the program, helping to prevent misunderstandings that could arise from textual descriptions alone.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of what flow diagrams are designed to do in the context of programming. Storing data, outlining structure, and managing files are important aspects of programming and computer science, but they do not pertain directly to the primary function of visualizing algorithms as flow diagrams do.