What does "Definition of Done" refer to in Agile methodology?

The "Definition of Done" in Agile methodology refers to a clear and concise list of criteria that must be met for a product backlog item, user story, or project increment to be considered complete. This agreement ensures that all team members have a mutual understanding of what it means for work to be finished, thereby improving transparency and accountability within the team.

Having this defined set of criteria helps to maintain quality and consistency throughout the development process. It serves as a checklist that includes aspects such as code reviews, automated testing, documentation, and any other specific standards the team collectively agrees upon. This ensures that all features are delivered to a consistent standard, reducing the likelihood of incomplete or inadequate work being considered finished, which is crucial for maintaining high-quality outputs in Agile projects.

In contrast, other options do not accurately capture the concept of "Definition of Done." A subjective measure of project success could vary significantly from team to team and lacks the clarity needed for consistent delivery. A timeline for product delivery concentrates on scheduling rather than quality criteria, and a collection of user stories is merely the representation of user requirements, not a definition of completion or quality. Thus, defining criteria for done-ness facilitates a more effective and structured Agile process.