What is indicated by the hollow diamond in a decision node?

The hollow diamond shape at a decision node signifies the start of alternative paths through an activity in modeling languages like UML (Unified Modeling Language) or BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation). This visual cue indicates that the flow of control can diverge based on specific conditions or decisions outlined in the model. Each path stemming from the decision node represents a different route that the process may take, depending on the evaluation of the predefined criteria.

In practical use, decision nodes help manage various scenarios within a process, allowing for more complex workflows to be represented clearly. For instance, if a decision point requires a choice between several options, each alternative would branch out from this hollow diamond, emphasizing the conditional nature of the paths.

The other options reference different concepts that do not correspond to the meaning of the hollow diamond in this context. Understanding the role of decision nodes is essential for creating clear and navigable models, ensuring that all possible pathways of a system's behavior can be effectively communicated.