What happens when a team reaches the "Definition of Done"?

When a team reaches the "Definition of Done," it signifies that the work item has met all the established criteria for completion and is considered ready for potential deployment. This concept is pivotal in agile methodologies, as it ensures that all aspects of the work have been addressed, including implementation, testing, and any necessary documentation. The Definition of Done serves as a checklist that helps avoid misunderstandings about what constitutes completed work, thereby ensuring that the delivered functionality is genuinely complete and can be deployed without further modification.

In this context, the other options do not capture the full meaning of reaching the Definition of Done. The review for quality assurance might be part of the Definition of Done but does not represent the final status of the work item. Preparing for the next Sprint implies that there are more actions required, which contradicts the idea of a work item being complete. Declaring the project finished and closed is broader than the scope of the Definition of Done, as it typically pertains to individual work items rather than the overall project status. Therefore, considering a work item complete and ready for deployment aligns directly with the purpose of the Definition of Done.