Preparation Shape

The Preparation shape represents initialization, setup, or preparatory steps that configure the process before the main operations begin.

What is a Preparation Shape?

The Preparation shape (also called Initialization) represents:

• Setup and initialization steps
• Configuration operations
• Variable declarations
• Environment preparation
• Resource allocation
• Pre-processing setup

According to ISO 5807, this shape indicates preparation or set-up operations that modify the process or program.

When to Use

Use the Preparation shape for:

• Initialization: "Initialize variables", "Set counter = 0"
• Setup: "Configure environment", "Load configuration"
• Resource allocation: "Allocate memory", "Open connections"
• Pre-processing: "Set up workspace", "Prepare data structures"
• Configuration: "Set parameters", "Define constants"

Visual Appearance

In DiagramKit.AI, the Preparation shape appears as:

• Dimensions: 160×80 pixels
• Color: Light orange (#fff7ed)
• Border: Orange (#ea580c)
• Shape: Hexagon (six-sided)

Best Practices

✅ Good Usage

[Start]
   ↓
[Initialize counter = 0]
   ↓
[Initialize sum = 0]
   ↓
[Load configuration file]
   ↓
   ┌←←←←←←←←←←←←←┐
   ↓             ↑
[Process item]  ↑
   ↓             ↑
<More items?>   ↑
   ↓ Yes →→→→→→→→┘
   ↓ No
[End]

• Use at the beginning of processes
• Use for variable initialization
• Include specific values when relevant
• Show configuration details

❌ Avoid

• ❌ Processing: "Calculate total" (use Process)
• ❌ Input/output: "Read file" (use Data I/O)
• ❌ Too vague: "Setup" (setup what?)
• ❌ During processing (use at start)

Common Examples

Example 1: Loop Initialization

[Initialize counter = 0]
   ↓
[Initialize total = 0]
   ↓
   ┌←←←←←←←←←←←←←┐
   ↓             ↑
<counter < 10?> ↑
   ↓ Yes         ↑
[Process]       ↑
   ↓             ↑
[counter++]     ↑
   └→→→→→→→→→→→→→┘
   ↓ No
[End]

Example 2: Application Startup

[Start]
   ↓
[Load environment variables]
   ↓
[Initialize database connection]
   ↓
[Set up logging]
   ↓
[Configure middleware]
   ↓
[Start server]

Example 3: Algorithm Setup

[Set array size = 100]
   ↓
[Allocate memory for array]
   ↓
[Initialize all elements = 0]
   ↓
[Set index = 0]
   ↓
[Begin sorting algorithm]

AI Prompt Tips

add preparation step to initialize variables
insert initialization for counter
create setup step for configuration

Related Shapes

• Process - For main operations
• Start/End - Often follows Start
• Data I/O - For loading config files
• Predefined Process - For setup functions