Zenhub Blog > Agile & Product Management > Agile terminology: 100 agile definitions Zenhub Blog > Agile & Product Management > Agile terminology: 100 agile definitions Agile & Product Management Agile terminology: 100 agile definitions Kristen Kerr December 1, 2023 | 12 min read Table of Contents In the world of project management and software development, Agile methodologies have taken center stage, revolutionizing how teams collaborate, adapt, and deliver results. At the heart of this transformation is an array of terms and jargon – the Agile terminology – that often acts as the key to understanding and successfully implementing Agile practices. Despite this, even some of the most experienced agile pros don’t always have all this vocab memorized. After all, agile has existed for a long time, and its language has evolved considerably. Whether you’re an Agile veteran or a newbie, this blog aims to demystify these terms, providing a comprehensive Agile glossary of the most essential Agile terminology, from A-Z. A-E | F-M | P-S | T-Z Agile terms A-E Acceptance Criteria Definition: Acceptance Criteria are criteria set by the project stakeholders or product owner that a software feature or project must meet to be considered complete and satisfactory for the end user. Synonym: Completion Criteria Acceptance Test Definition: An Acceptance Test is a testing phase to verify whether a software system meets the agreed-upon Acceptance Criteria and is ready for deployment. Synonym: Validation Testing Agile Definition: Agile is a project management and software development approach based on iterative development that results in frequent minor releases. In agile, requirements and solutions evolve through collaboration between self-organizing cross-functional teams, who typically engage in “Agile events.” Synonym: Adaptive Project Management Agile Ceremonies Definition: Agile Ceremonies are prescribed events in the Agile methodology that ensure regular and proper execution of the Agile process, including Sprint Planning, Daily Stand-ups, Sprint Reviews, and Sprint Retrospectives. Synonym: Agile Rituals Agile Coaching Definition: Agile Coaching is the process of guiding and mentoring individuals and teams to improve their understanding and adoption of Agile principles and practices. Synonym: Agile Mentoring Agile Development Definition: Agile Development is a subset of Agile methodologies specifically applied to software development involving iterative and incremental development, where requirements and solutions evolve through collaboration. Synonym: Agile Software Development Agile Manifesto Definition: The Agile Manifesto is a formal proclamation of four key values and twelve principles guiding the Agile software development approach. Synonym: Manifesto for Agile Software Development Agile Metrics Definition: Agile metrics are quantitative measures used in Agile projects to track and assess the progress, productivity, quality, and health of the development process and team. Synonym: Agile Performance Indicators Agile Mindset Definition: The Agile Mindset is a way of thinking that embraces the core values and principles of Agile, such as adaptability, collaboration, continual improvement, and a focus on delivering value. Synonym: Agile Thinking Agile Portfolio Management Definition: The application of Agile principles and practices to the management of project portfolios, prioritizing agility and flexibility in decision-making. Synonym: Adaptive Portfolio Management Agile Principle Definition: Agile Principles are fundamental concepts that guide the Agile methodology, emphasizing customer satisfaction, early and continuous delivery, collaboration, and responding to change. Synonym: Agile Values Agile Product Delivery (APD) Definition: An approach focusing on delivering products and services to customers in a continuous and customer-centric manner, emphasizing adaptability and value. Synonym: Continuous Product Delivery Agile Release Train (ART) Definition: A team of Agile teams that work together to deliver solutions incrementally in a value stream, typically part of the Scaled Agile Framework. Synonym: Release Train Agile Software Development Definition: An approach to software development under the Agile methodology, emphasizing iterative development, collaboration, and customer feedback. Synonym: Agile Programming Agile Teams Definition: Cross-functional groups, usually comprising 10 or fewer individuals, possessing all necessary skills to define, build, test, and deliver value in an Agile project. Synonym: Cross-Functional Agile Group Agile Transformation Definition: The process of transitioning an entire organization or team to adopt Agile methodologies, involving a change in culture, practices, and mindset. Synonym: Agile Change Management Backlog Definition: A backlog is a prioritized list of tasks, features, or user stories that are yet to be worked on in an Agile project. Synonym: Task Queue Backlog Refinement Definition: Backlog refinement is the ongoing process of reviewing, updating, and prioritizing backlog items to ensure readiness for future sprints. Synonym: Backlog Grooming Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) Definition: A software development approach that enhances collaboration among developers, QA teams, and non-technical stakeholders by defining expectations and outcomes in understandable language. Synonym: Specification by Example Blended Learning Definition: A training method in Agile that combines different learning approaches, such as digital learning and face-to-face interaction, to enhance understanding and application of Agile principles. Synonym: Hybrid Learning Bottleneck Definition: A point of congestion or blockage in a process that slows down or impedes workflow, commonly identified and addressed in Agile methodologies. Synonym: Workflow Constraint Burn Down Chart Definition: A burndown chart is a graphical representation used in Agile projects to track the work remaining versus time, typically in a sprint. Note: In Zenhub, this is called a Sprint Report. Synonym: Progress Chart, Sprint Report Burnup Chart Definition: A burnup chart is a chart used in Agile to visualize the amount of work completed against the total work scope over time. Synonym: Scope Chart Cadence Definition: The rhythm or pattern of iterations in an Agile project, such as the length of sprints or releases. Synonym: Iteration Rhythm Community of Practice (CoP) Definition: A group of individuals in an Agile environment who share and collaboratively improve their Agile practices and knowledge. Synonym: Practice Group Continuous Feedback Definition: The practice in Agile of providing ongoing feedback to team members and stakeholders to improve processes and products continuously. Synonym: Ongoing Feedback Continuous Integration (CI) Definition: An Agile development practice where developers frequently integrate their work, often daily, to detect integration errors quickly. Synonym: Continuous Code Integration Cross-Functional Team Definition: A team composed of members with various functional expertise and skills working towards a common goal in an Agile project. Synonym: Multidisciplinary Team Cumulative Flow Diagram (CFD) Definition: A visual tool used in Agile to show the amount of work in different workflow stages over time, aiding in identifying bottlenecks. Synonym: Workflow Diagram DAD (Disciplined Agile Delivery) Definition: An Agile framework that provides a comprehensive guide and toolkit for large organizations to implement Agile methodologies effectively. Synonym: Disciplined Agile Approach Daily Scrum Definition: A short, daily team meeting in Scrum to synchronize activities and create a plan for the next 24 hours. Synonym: Daily Stand-up Definition of Done (DoD) Definition: In Agile methodologies, the Definition of Done is a clear and concise list of criteria that a software product or a project feature must meet to be considered complete. This ensures transparency and quality in the delivery process. Synonym: Completion Criteria Definition of Quality (DoQ) Definition: A set of predefined standards and criteria that Agile projects must meet to ensure quality in the final product. Synonym: Quality Benchmarks Definition of Ready (DoR) Definition: A checklist of criteria that must be met before a user story or task is accepted into a sprint for development in Agile. Synonym: Readiness Criteria DevOps (Development Operations) Definition: An approach that bridges the gap between software development and IT operations, emphasizing collaboration and automation to improve productivity and efficiency. Synonym: DevOps Collaboration DSDM (Dynamic Systems Development Method) Definition: An Agile framework that focuses on delivering software projects in a controlled, iterative, and incremental manner. Synonym: Dynamic Development Method Empathy Map Definition: A tool used in Agile to gain insights into customers’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, helping to understand user needs better. Synonym: User Empathy Tool Empirical Process Control Definition: A principle in Agile and Scrum that emphasizes decision-making based on observation, experience, and experiment. Synonym: Evidence-Based Management Epics Definition: Large, complex user stories that are broken down into smaller stories in Agile methodologies, often spanning multiple sprints. Synonym: Feature Epics Extreme Programming (XP) Definition: An Agile software development methodology that emphasizes customer satisfaction, continuous feedback, and iterative development. Synonym: XP Methodology Agile terms F-M Feature Driven Development (FDD) Definition: An iterative and incremental software development methodology focused on building and designing specific features. Synonym: Feature-Based Development Feature Toggle Definition: A technique in Agile development allowing teams to switch certain software application features on or off during runtime. Synonym: Feature Switch Fist of Five Definition: A consensus-building technique used in Agile teams where team members vote on a scale of 1-5 using fingers to indicate their level of agreement. Synonym: Five Finger Consensus Hyperproductive Team Definition: An Agile team that achieves significantly higher productivity and efficiency than the norm. Synonym: High-Performance Team Impact Mapping Definition: A strategic planning technique in Agile that helps align team activities with overall business goals and outcomes. Synonym: Outcome Mapping Incremental Development Definition: An Agile approach where a product is developed in small, manageable increments, allowing for frequent reassessment and adaptation. Synonym: Iterative Development Information Radiator Definition: A large, visible display used in Agile environments to present key information and metrics about the project’s progress. Synonym: Big Visible Chart Iteration Planning Definition: The process in Agile methodologies of planning the work and objectives for a specific iteration or Sprint. Synonym: Sprint Planning Kanban Definition: An Agile methodology focused on visualizing work, limiting work-in-progress, and maximizing efficiency or flow. Synonym: Visual Workflow Management Kanban Board Definition: A tool used in Kanban methodology to visualize work at various stages using columns and cards. Synonym: Task Board Lean Definition: An Agile methodology focused on creating value for the customer with fewer resources by eliminating process waste. Synonym: Lean Methodology Lean Startup Definition: A methodology used in Agile environments emphasizing the development of products through iterative releases and validated learning. Synonym: Iterative Startup Approach LeSS (Large-Scale Scrum) Definition: An Agile framework for scaling Scrum to multiple teams working on the same product or project. Synonym: Large-Scale Scrum Minimum Marketable Feature (MMF) Definition: The smallest set of functionality in a product that still delivers value and is viable for release. Synonym: Minimal Viable Feature Mob Programming Definition: An approach in Agile software development where the whole team works on the same problem simultaneously in the same space. Synonym: Whole Team Approach Agile terms P-S Pair Programming Definition: A software development technique where two programmers work together at one workstation, with one writing code and the other reviewing it. Synonym: Collaborative Programming Parking Lot Definition: A method used in meetings and Agile environments to set aside off-topic discussions or ideas for later review. Synonym: Issue Hold Area Planning Poker Definition: A consensus-based, gamified technique used in Agile environments for estimating the effort or size of development goals in software development. This technique encourages discussion and provides an entertaining approach to reaching agreement on story points. Synonym: Scrum Poker Product Increment Definition: The sum of product backlog items completed during a sprint, integrated with the work of all previous sprints. Synonym: Incremental Release Product Owner Definition: A pivotal role in Agile and Scrum frameworks, the Product Owner is responsible for defining user stories, prioritizing the backlog, and setting the project’s direction to maximize value delivery. They act as a liaison between stakeholders and the development team, ensuring the product aligns with user needs and business objectives. Synonym: Product Lead Product Roadmap Definition: Product Roadmaps are high-level, strategic visual summaries outlining the vision, direction, priorities, and progress of a product over time. Synonym: Product Strategy Roadmap Product Vision Board Definition: A tool used in Agile for defining and communicating the strategic vision of a product, including objectives, target audience, and key features. Synonym: Vision Board RAD (Rapid Application Development) Definition: An Agile software development approach emphasizing rapid prototyping and iterative delivery. Synonym: Quick Development Method Refactoring Definition: Restructuring existing computer code without changing its external behavior to improve nonfunctional attributes. Synonym: Code Improvement Relative Estimation Definition: An Agile technique of estimating the effort or size of user stories relative to each other rather than in absolute terms. Synonym: Comparative Estimation Requirements Definition: Detailed descriptions of the functionality, features, or conditions a software product must satisfy. Synonym: Specifications SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework Enterprise) Definition: An Agile framework for scaling Agile principles and practices to large organizations and complex projects. Synonym: Scaled Agile Framework Scaled Agile Definition: The practice of applying Agile methodologies to large-scale projects or entire organizations. Synonym: Agile at Scale Scrum Definition: An Agile framework for managing complex projects, typically software development, emphasizing iterative progress, collaboration, and flexibility. Synonym: Scrum Framework Scrum Board Definition: A physical or digital board used in Scrum to visualize the work in a Sprint, typically showing columns for backlog, in progress, and done. Synonym: Sprint Board Scrum Master Definition: A role within the Scrum framework responsible for ensuring the team follows Agile practices and removes impediments to their progress. Synonym: Agile Coach Scrum Meeting Definition: Scrum meetings are regular meetings in the Scrum framework, including daily stand-ups, sprint planning, sprint reviews, and retrospectives, to facilitate communication and progress. Synonym: Scrum Ceremonies Scrum of Scrums Definition: A technique in Scrum used to coordinate complex projects involving multiple teams, where representatives from each team meet to discuss progress and impediments. Synonym: Meta Scrum Scrumban Definition: A hybrid Agile methodology combining elements of Scrum and Kanban, often used to transition from Scrum to a more flow-based approach. Synonym: Agile Hybrid Method Servant Leadership Definition: A leadership philosophy in Agile and Scrum where the leader’s primary role is to serve the team, removing impediments and facilitating success. Synonym: Supportive Leadership Spike Definition: A task in Agile methodologies, particularly in Scrum, for researching a question or a problem to gain a deeper understanding. Synonym: Exploration Task Sprint Definition: A fixed time period in the Scrum methodology during which specific work is completed and made ready for review, typically lasting 2-4 weeks. Synonym: Iteration Sprint Backlog Definition: A Sprint Backlog is a list of tasks identified by the Scrum team to be completed during the upcoming Sprint. Synonym: Iteration Backlog Sprint Goal Definition: The intended outcome or objective for a Sprint in Scrum, guiding the team on why they are building what they are building during the Sprint. Synonym: Iteration Objective Sprint Planning Definition: Sprint Planning is a Scrum ceremony where the team selects items from the product backlog to work on during the upcoming Sprint. Synonym: Iteration Planning Sprint Retrospective Definition: A Sprint Retrospective is a meeting at the end of each Sprint in Scrum to reflect on the process and identify improvements for the next Sprint. Synonym: Iteration Retrospective Sprint Review Definition: A Sprint Review is a meeting in Scrum at the end of each Sprint where the team presents the completed work to stakeholders for feedback. Synonym: Iteration Review Stakeholder Definition: Stakeholders are individuals or groups who have an interest in the outcome of a project and can be internal or external to the organization undertaking the project. Synonym: Interested Party Stories Definition: Short, simple descriptions of a feature or function told from the user’s perspective, used in Agile and Scrum for planning and discussion. Synonym: User Stories Story Points Definition: Story Points are a unit of measurement used in Agile methodologies to estimate the effort required to implement a user story or task. Synonym: Effort Points Swarming Definition: Swarming is an Agile technique where more than one team member works on a task considered too complex for a single team member. Synonym: Collaborative Work Agile terms T-Z Task Board Definition: A visual board used in Agile and Scrum methodologies to track tasks and their progress throughout a Sprint. Synonym: Scrum Board Technical Spike Definition: A type of research task in Agile methodologies aimed at answering technical questions or exploring technical possibilities. Synonym: Technical Exploration Test-Driven Development (TDD) Definition: An Agile software development technique where tests are written before the code, ensuring that software is tested thoroughly from the outset. Synonym: Test-First Development Timeboxes Definition: A fixed duration of time allocated to an activity in Agile methodologies, such as a Sprint, used to help manage work and deadlines. Synonym: Time Constraints User Acceptance Testing (UAT) Definition: The process where end users test a system to verify it can handle required tasks in real-world scenarios, ensuring it meets their needs. Synonym: End-User Testing User Experience (UX) Design Definition: The process of designing products, especially digital ones, to provide meaningful and relevant experiences to users. Synonym: Experience Design User Persona Definition: A semi-fictional character based on user research and real data, representing a user type used in Agile to understand target customers. Synonym: Customer Persona User Story Definition: A tool used in Agile software development to capture a description of a software feature from an end-user perspective. Synonym: Feature Story Value Stream Mapping Definition: A lean-management method for analyzing the flow of materials and information required to bring a product or service to a customer. Synonym: Process Flow Analysis Velocity Definition: Velocity is a metric in Agile methodologies that tracks the average work a team can complete during a single sprint or iteration. Synonym: Average Team Throughput (per Sprint) Waterfall Definition: A sequential (non-iterative) project management approach where progress flows in one direction through the phases of conception, initiation, analysis, design, construction, testing, and maintenance. Synonym: Sequential Development Work in Progress (WIP) Definition: Any tasks or user stories in an Agile project that have been started but are not yet completed. Synonym: Ongoing Tasks WIP Limit (Work In Progress Limit) Definition: A strategy in Agile methodologies, especially Kanban, to limit the work that can be in progress at any one time. Synonym: Workload Limit XP (eXtreme Programming) Definition: An Agile software development methodology focused on technical excellence, customer satisfaction, and iterative development. Synonym: Extreme Programming Conclusion: Embracing Agile Fluency As we conclude our exploration of Agile terminology, it’s important to remember that Agile success isn’t about the words you use. It’s about understanding and implementing these concepts. We know – there are a lot of concepts here, and it can get overwhelming, so we encourage you to keep this guide in your back pocket as an Agile terminology cheat sheet when collaborating with Agile teams. Zenhub helps agile teams move faster. Try it for yourself with a 14-day free trial – sign up here. Share this article New Work smarter, not harder. With Zenhub AI Simplified agile processes. Faster task management. All powered by AI. Get Early Access
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