A formalized agreement, typically documented in a checklist format, outlines the criteria that must be met before a task, user story, or increment is considered complete. This agreement serves as a shared understanding among team members and stakeholders, ensuring consistent quality and transparency in the development process. For example, such an agreement might include items like code being reviewed, tests passing, documentation updated, and acceptance criteria being satisfied.
Adhering to such criteria provides numerous benefits, including improved communication, reduced rework, and increased stakeholder satisfaction. By providing a clear and measurable target, it minimizes ambiguity and ensures that all team members are working towards the same standards. Historically, the formalization of these criteria arose from the need for more predictable and reliable software delivery in complex projects.