Definition of done
A work item is "done" only when every applicable item below is true. The definition of done (DoD) protects quality and makes milestone acceptance with customers predictable. It applies to stories, bugs and tasks.
The checklist
| Area | Done means |
|---|---|
| Code | Merged to main after code review |
| Tests | New and changed behaviour has automated tests; all tests pass |
| Quality | No new critical or high findings from static analysis |
| Security | No secrets in the repository; dependencies scanned |
| Documentation | README, API docs and runbooks updated |
| Deployed | Deployed to staging and demonstrated |
| Acceptance criteria | Each criterion in the ticket verified by someone other than the author |
| Operations | Logging and monitoring in place for new components |
Using the DoD
- When writing a story, write acceptance criteria that can be verified.
- While working, tick off the checklist in the ticket.
- Before review, check the list yourself.
- At the demo, show the work running on staging, not on a laptop.
- The project manager closes the ticket only when the DoD is met.
Deliverable-level done
A customer deliverable is done when:
- All its tickets are done.
- Release notes are written, see Release process.
- The deliverable has been submitted to the customer with a request for acceptance, see Deliverable acceptance.
Under the Acme SOW (SOW-ACME-01), the customer has 10 business days to accept or reject each deliverable, so delivering something that is not done wastes that window.
Example ticket footer
### Definition of done
- [x] Code reviewed and merged
- [x] Tests passing
- [x] Docs updated
- [ ] Demoed on staging
Exceptions
Exceptions to the DoD must be agreed by the delivery manager and recorded in the ticket. Typical examples are prototypes and spikes. If a customer asks you to skip an item, note it in your status report as a risk.
Estimates
Remember that the DoD is part of the work. When estimating, include testing, documentation and review time, see Estimation.
Ownership
The DoD is reviewed annually by the engineering leads. Suggestions go to Daniel Okafor, or raise them in a retrospective.
Owner: Daniel Okafor - Last updated: 2026-02-17