Definition
The Definition of Done (DoD) is a shared understanding within an agile team about when a piece of work is considered complete and ready for release. It outlines the specific criteria that must be met, ensuring quality and consistency across all deliverables. In practice, the DoD is a checklist that the team uses to verify that all acceptance criteria, testing, and documentation requirements have been satisfied. This practice is crucial for maintaining transparency, managing stakeholder expectations, and preventing scope creep. For instance, a DoD for a software feature might include passing all unit tests, completing user acceptance testing, and updating the relevant documentation. It is distinct from acceptance criteria, which are specific to a single user story, while the DoD applies to all work items. The Definition of Done is a key concept tested on the PMI-ACP, CAPM, and PMP exams, and is fundamental to agile project management.