What does 'done' signify in the context of a Sprint's deliverables?

The term "done" in the context of a Sprint's deliverables specifically signifies that a feature meets the Definition of Done established by the Scrum Team. This definition serves as a clear and shared understanding of what it means for work to be completed, encompassing aspects such as code quality, testing, documentation, and other application standards that must be met.

When a feature is labeled as "done," it assures the team and stakeholders that the work is fully complete and ready for use, rather than just partially finished or requiring further adjustments. The Definition of Done is critical to maintaining the integrity of the product and ensuring that all team members have a common understanding of completion criteria, which fosters transparency and helps manage stakeholder expectations effectively.

Assessing deliverables against this established definition also aids in ensuring consistent quality across the team’s outputs and influences their continuous improvement efforts. In contrast, alternatives like a completed feature without any adjustments or minimal testing do not adequately capture the comprehensive nature of what "done" signifies in Scrum.