What is a Sprint in Agile methodology?

In Agile methodology, a Sprint is defined as a time-boxed period during which a specific set of work must be completed and made ready for review. This time-bound phase, typically lasting from one to four weeks, allows the development team to focus on delivering a set of features, improvements, or fixes, thereby creating a functional increment of the product. The intention of a Sprint is to promote productivity and efficiency by establishing a clear timeframe within which work is to be completed.

This concept emphasizes the iterative nature of Agile, where work is continuously refined, adapted, and improved over successive Sprints. The structure of a Sprint also facilitates regular feedback through Sprint reviews and adjustments through retrospectives, making it a core component of project management in Agile environments. Such clear time-boxing is essential for maintaining momentum and driving progress toward the project goals.