Different plants require different amounts of sunshine to do their best in your garden as well as in your home. From sun to shade, direct to indirect exposure; how do you know what your plant needs.
Full Sun
Petunia, Succulents, Geraniums etc
Full sun plants are great for locations in your yard that see the sun for 6+ hours per day. These locations are typically on the West side or the South side of your property. The exceptions to these general rules are if you have shade provided by trees or buildings in which case you assess how much direct sun these spots in the yard receive.
Shade
Impatiens, Begonia, Coleus etc
Shade loving plants are for locations in your yard that receive less than 4 hours of sun a day. These spots are typically shaded by trees, buildings, or other structures on your property. Generally North and East facing locations are considered shady spots to grow plants as morning sun is not as intense as the afternoon sun.
Indoor Plants
direct or indirect light
House plants can be difficult to asses for their light requirements as indoor light is very different than outdoor light. If your plant requires direct sun it needs to be able to see the sun from its location in your home or office. If your plant needs indirect light indoors that means that it only needs to have a bright location to be able to survive in your home.
Drawing by LÉON & GEORGE showing examples of the different light levels you can find in a home