Outline of Breadmaking Procedure

1. Make or activate starter. Or, if using commercial yeast, proof the yeast.
2. Make a sponge (basically a thick batter) with flour, yeast or starter, sugar, and water or other liquid. Let rise.
3. Add salt, oil or butter (if used), enough flour to make dough, and other dry ingredients in recipe.
4. Knead.
5. Let rise.
6. Deflate.
7. Let rise again.
8. Shape into loaves.
9. Let rise again.
10. Bake.

Every one of these steps has some details and tips, but basically, that's all there is to it.