What is a sprint cycle?
In the Scrum framework of agile project management, there isn’t a term called “sprint cycle.” However, the term you’re likely referring to is simply a “Sprint.” A Sprint is a time-boxed period during which a Scrum Team works to complete a predefined set of tasks or produce a specific increment of work. The goal is to create a potentially shippable product increment by the end of each Sprint.
The length of a Sprint is fixed and can range from one week to four weeks, with two weeks being the most common duration.
Here’s a brief overview of what happens during a typical Sprint:
- Sprint Planning: At the beginning of the Sprint, the team holds a Sprint Planning meeting. Here, they determine which items from the Product Backlog they will work on during the Sprint. These selected items form the Sprint Backlog.
- Daily Scrum (or Standup): Each day of the Sprint, the team meets for a brief (usually 15 minutes) meeting to discuss their progress, what they plan to work on next, and any obstacles they are facing. This helps ensure everyone is aligned and any blockers are quickly addressed.
- Development Work: Throughout the Sprint, the team works on the tasks and user stories from the Sprint Backlog. They design, code, test, and integrate, aiming to complete the work they committed to during Sprint Planning.
- Sprint Review: At the end of the Sprint, the team presents the work they completed during the Sprint to stakeholders. This is an informal meeting with a focus on obtaining feedback on the product increment.
- Sprint Retrospective: After the Sprint Review, the team meets to discuss how the Sprint went. They talk about what went well, what could be improved, and how they can make the next Sprint better. This continuous improvement process is fundamental to Scrum.
- Next Sprint: After the Retrospective, the cycle begins again with another Sprint Planning meeting for the next Sprint.
The entire process – from Sprint Planning to Sprint Retrospective – is often referred to as a Sprint cycle, given its cyclical nature. The repeated Sprints allow for regular feedback and adjustments, ensuring the product or solution being developed aligns with user needs and business goals.
