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AI Engineering
Hacker News·21d ago·5 min read
The Definition of Done
TL;DR
Many software developers mistakenly consider their work done before it truly is. A clear definition of done includes functionality across all devices, thorough testing, and deployment in production.
✦ Why It Matters
Establish a clear definition of done for your projects to enhance team alignment and product quality.
Key Takeaways
- Define 'done' clearly to avoid miscommunication.
- Ensure functionality on all supported devices before marking tasks complete.
- Conduct multiple rounds of testing and feedback.
- Confirm that all related work is finished and live for users.
Full Summary
In software development, the term 'done' should reflect a state of reality rather than effort. Many developers fall into the trap of thinking their work is complete when it is not fully functional or available to users.
A proper definition of done includes criteria such as functionality across all supported devices, thorough testing with feedback, merged pull requests, and deployment in production. If any of these conditions are unmet, the work is not truly done.
Additionally, relying on AI to determine when a task is complete can be misleading; developers must assert the completion themselves. Ultimately, the concept of done is about creating real value in the world, not just finishing tasks.