In project management, what does a Gantt chart primarily represent?

A Gantt chart primarily represents project timelines and task dependencies, making it a crucial tool in project management. It visually displays the start and end dates of various tasks involved in a project, allowing project managers and teams to understand the schedule and duration of each task. This visualization aids in tracking the progress of the project against its planned timeline, highlighting any potential delays or overlaps in tasks.

Additionally, Gantt charts often illustrate the relationships between tasks, indicating which tasks are dependent on the completion of others before they can commence. This aspect is vital for managing a project effectively, as understanding these dependencies helps in resource allocation and maintaining the overall project schedule. The clarity provided by a Gantt chart allows teams to communicate timelines and expectations more effectively, fostering better coordination among team members.