What do we mean by "definition of done"?

The concept of "definition of done" is crucial in project management, particularly within agile methodologies. It refers to a shared understanding among the team members of what it means to complete a task or user story. This definition acts as a checklist that ensures all required tasks are completed before a product increment is considered done. When the definition of done is clearly established, all team members can align on the expectations and quality required to meet those expectations, which minimizes the risk of surprises or incomplete work later in the development process.

By ensuring that everything expected is completed, it not only maintains quality but also sets a clear standard for deliverables. This ultimately leads to a more predictable and successful project outcome, as it fosters accountability and transparency among team members. Therefore, this choice accurately captures the essence of what a definition of done entails in a project context.