A fundamental attribute of a completed piece of work within an iterative development process is its readiness for immediate integration and potential release. This signifies that the element meets predefined quality standards, has undergone thorough testing, and is free of known defects. For example, a new feature implemented in a software application must be fully functional, documented, and compatible with existing components before it can be considered in this state.
The significance of this attribute lies in enabling frequent delivery of value and facilitating continuous feedback loops. By ensuring each element meets a rigorous definition of completion, development teams can build confidence in their progress and reduce the risk of encountering integration issues later in the development cycle. Historically, this approach contrasts with traditional waterfall methodologies, where integration often occurred only at the end of a lengthy development period, leading to significant challenges in identifying and resolving conflicts.
