In Scrum, a popular agile framework, the Sprint Backlog is one of the key artifacts. The Sprint Backlog contains:
- Selected Product Backlog Items (PBIs): These are the items chosen from the product backlog to be worked on in the upcoming sprint. The development team selects these items during the Sprint Planning meeting, based on the sprint goal and the team’s estimation of what they can complete in the sprint’s duration (typically 2-4 weeks).
- Tasks: For each selected product backlog item, the team breaks it down into smaller, actionable tasks. These tasks represent the work needed to transform the backlog item from an idea into a deliverable product increment. Tasks might include design work, coding, testing, documentation, and so forth.
- Estimates: Each task will usually have an estimate associated with it, often in terms of hours, to indicate how long the team believes it will take to complete.
- Daily Progress: Throughout the sprint, as tasks are worked on and completed, the team updates the Sprint Backlog to reflect the current state of progress. This can help in visualizing the work remaining in the sprint.
- Sprint Goal: While not a list or task, the Sprint Goal is a short, overarching statement of the outcome the team aims to achieve with the selected PBIs. It provides guidance and focus to the team throughout the sprint.
The Sprint Backlog is a dynamic artifact that changes and evolves throughout the sprint as the team gains a better understanding of the work and as unforeseen challenges arise. It offers a detailed view of the work the team commits to performing during the sprint and serves as a tool to help the team self-organize and manage its time and priorities.
