Crafting a Strong Definition of Done in Scrum
A well-defined Definition of Done (DoD) is critical to ensure that the Scrum Team delivers high-quality, potentially shippable Increments at the end of each Sprint. The Definition of Done includes a set of criteria that the Scrum Team agrees upon and adheres to for every Product Backlog item. This ensures consistency, quality, and alignment with the expectations of stakeholders.
Exam Question
Which three of the following criteria are most helpful as part of a Scrum Team’s Definition of Done?
(choose the best three answers)
A. No impediments exist.
B. Code review is done.
C. Regression tests pass.
D. Acceptance tests pass.
E. The product is released at the end of every Sprint.
Correct Answers
B. Code review is done.
C. Regression tests pass.
D. Acceptance tests pass.
Explanation
Correct Answers
B. Code review is done:
Including a code review as part of the Definition of Done ensures that the code is reviewed by peers, which helps to catch potential issues early, improve code quality, and maintain coding standards across the team. This practice fosters collective ownership of the codebase.
C. Regression tests pass:
Regression tests are crucial to verify that new changes do not negatively affect the existing functionality. Including this as a criterion in the Definition of Done ensures that the product remains stable and functional even after new features or changes are introduced.
D. Acceptance tests pass:
Acceptance tests validate that the functionality meets the specified requirements and is working as expected. Including this in the Definition of Done ensures that the delivered Increment meets the agreed-upon criteria and satisfies the Product Owner and stakeholders.
Why the Other Options Are Less Appropriate
A. No impediments exist:
While it’s important to address impediments, the absence of impediments is not a criterion for a Definition of Done. Impediments are obstacles to be managed throughout the Sprint, and resolving them is part of the ongoing development process.
E. The product is released at the end of every Sprint:
The release of the product is a business decision and may not necessarily happen at the end of every Sprint. The Definition of Done should focus on the criteria that make the Increment potentially shippable, not on the decision to release the product.
Relevance to the PSD Exam
Understanding what constitutes a strong Definition of Done is essential for the PSD exam. It highlights the importance of quality, consistency, and alignment with the team’s commitments and stakeholder expectations.
Key Takeaways
- Code Review: Ensures adherence to coding standards and improves code quality.
- Regression Testing: Verifies that new changes do not break existing functionality.
- Acceptance Testing: Confirms that the Increment meets the requirements and is ready for release.
Conclusion
A well-crafted Definition of Done is critical for maintaining the quality and consistency of the Increments delivered by the Scrum Team. By including criteria such as code reviews, passing regression tests, and acceptance tests, the team ensures that every Increment is potentially shippable and meets the expectations of stakeholders. For more information on preparing for the PSD exam, visit our Professional Scrum Developer PSD™ Exam Prep.
