What are milestones in project management?

Milestones in project management are significant events or points in the project timeline that mark the completion of major phases or deliverables. They do not have a duration—they are typically represented as single points in time rather than as tasks with a defined duration. This means that milestones indicate key achievements or decision points within the project, such as the end of a planning phase, the completion of a major deliverable, or the approval of a project phase. The use of milestones helps track progress and ensure that the project stays on schedule, as they act as reference points to gauge whether the project is meeting its timelines and objectives.