Gantt charts provide two critical functions: timing and dependence. The overall view of the Gantt chart allows all the tasks and deadlines of a project to be looked at. These timelines can be further detailed with macro and micro tasks. The second function of the Gantt chart is to outline the dependance of a specific task relative to another. This allows for a linear view of timelines, but shows where paths intersect and where critical tasks are and how they affect events further downstream. As has been mentioned before, this allows for an outlining of a critical path. The critical path shows the direct line to the completion of a project, while highlighting aspects of the project that are dependent on tasks further upstream. This gives managers and overseers insight into which phases need to be expedited and which have flexibility.