In project management, what is a Gantt chart used for?

A Gantt chart is a vital tool in project management primarily used to visually represent the schedule of a project and track progress. It displays the various tasks or activities involved in a project along with their start and end dates in a horizontal bar chart format. This visual representation makes it easy for project managers and team members to see how tasks overlap, identify critical paths, and understand timelines at a glance.

The chart not only illustrates what tasks need to be completed but also allows teams to monitor progress against the planned timeline, enabling timely adjustments if needed. Project stakeholders can quickly grasp the status of different tasks, ensuring that everyone is aligned and working towards common deadlines. This visual management aspect is integral to effective project execution, making it a preferred method for many project managers.