A simple Diode is the simplest two-terminal unilateral semiconductor device. It allows current to flow only in one direction and blocks the current that flows in the opposite direction. The two terminals of the diode are called as anode and cathode. The symbol of diode symbol is as shown in the figure below.
The characteristics of a diode closely match to that of a switch. An ideal switch when open does not conduct current in either directions and in closed state conducts in both directions. The characteristic of a diode is as shown in the figure below. 
Ideally, in one direction that is indicated by the arrow head diode must behave short circuited and in other one that opposite to that of the direction of arrow head must be open circuited. By ideal characteristics, the diodes is designed to meet these features theoretically but are not achieved practically. So the practical diode characteristics are only close to that of the desired.
source: engineersgarage.com
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