What does the term 'definition of done' refer to in scrum?

The term 'definition of done' refers to a documented agreement on what needs to be completed for a story to be considered complete. This concept is crucial in Scrum as it provides clarity and a shared understanding among team members regarding what constitutes a finished product increment. The definition of done ensures that all aspects of work, including coding, testing, code reviews, and documentation, are completed and confirmed before a user story can be declared as done.

This agreement is typically created and refined by the whole Scrum team and serves multiple purposes. It enhances transparency in the development process, enables consistent quality standards, and helps in assessing progress during sprint reviews. By adhering to a defined standard, the Scrum team can improve their overall efficiency and deliver higher quality increments.

In the context of Scrum, having a clear definition of done is essential for maintaining a shared vision among team members as they work towards achieving the sprint goals. It mitigates misunderstandings about the readiness of the product increment and holds all members accountable for meeting the agreed criteria.