What is the main purpose of a Gantt chart in project management?

A Gantt chart is primarily designed to track and represent project schedules visually. It provides a timeline that outlines the start and finish dates of various tasks involved in a project, allowing project managers and teams to see the sequence of activities, their durations, and how they overlap. This visual representation helps in planning, organizing, and monitoring progress throughout the project lifecycle.

By using a Gantt chart, teams can easily identify critical paths, understand deadlines, and manage resources effectively, ensuring that tasks are completed on time. The clarity and accessibility of the information presented in a Gantt chart make it an essential tool for effective project management, facilitating communication among team members and stakeholders about where the project stands at any given time.