A wizard is a feature embedded within a software application that provides a user-friendly interface to guide users through a series of procedural steps necessary to complete complex tasks such as installations, configurations, or setup processes.
Wizards are used for a variety of tasks such as:
- Software Installation and Setup Procedures: Wizards streamline the installation of new software by guiding users through the necessary steps, from accepting license agreements to selecting installation options and finally to the successful installation of the software.
- Configuration of Hardware: When adding new hardware to a system, wizards can help configure the new devices, ensuring that they communicate correctly with the computer and are ready for use.
- Creation of New Projects or Documents with Specific Settings: In applications like word processors or development environments, wizards can assist users in starting new projects or documents by setting up templates, defining essential parameters, and customizing settings to fit the task at hand.
- Troubleshooting and Diagnostic Processes to Resolve Issues: Wizards provide a systematic approach to troubleshooting, often by asking a series of questions to narrow down the possible causes of a problem and then providing a set of actions or solutions to resolve the identified issues.