What shape in a flow diagram indicates the start or stop of a process?

The shape that indicates the start or stop of a process in a flow diagram is the oval. This shape is used specifically to mark the entry point (start) and exit point (stop) of the flow of the process. In flowcharts, ovals are often labeled with terms like "Start" or "End," clearly signalling where the process begins and where it concludes.

Other shapes serve different functions in flow diagrams: rectangles typically represent processes or actions, diamonds denote decision points where a yes/no or true/false question is posed, and parallelograms are used for input or output operations, such as data entry or display. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurately interpreting flow diagrams in computer science and other fields.