In Agile, what does the term "increment" refer to?

In Agile, particularly within the Scrum framework, the term "increment" specifically refers to the sum of completed Product Backlog items that meet the definition of "done." This means that each increment is a concrete stepping stone toward the larger product goal, showcasing the work that has been completed and is potentially shippable.

The increment is crucial because it reflects the progress made during a Sprint and encapsulates all the enhancements, features, and fixes combined. Every increment builds upon the previous one, leading to a more refined product over time.

Increments are also essential for transparency and collaboration among team members, as they enable stakeholders to see the tangible results of the team's efforts and provide feedback based on the most recent work completed. This is a key component of Agile methodologies, emphasizing iterative development and continuous improvement.