Backlogs &

Sprint Task Lists

Creating a Program

• Programmers usually organize their

work using two lists of things to do.

• One list, called the backlog, has big

items on it.

• Second list is the sprint, the team will

try to get 1 or 2 of the backlog items

completed.

Backlog Defined

• Definition – A prioritized list of features

or user stories to add to a program

• The backlog is prioritized!

– Top item on the backlog are clearly written

– Next items to complete are on top

– Each backlog item is written as a user

story

– Items are small enough to get done in one

sprint

Backlog Issues

• As you are working you may find that the

problem might need to be redefined

• Items lower on the backlog can be poorly

defined, too big, or need to change

• At the end of sprint, the backlog is

groomed or tested

– Items rising to the top must be broken down

– Items may need revision

Top backlog item split into tasks

First sprint

Second sprint

Later sprint(s)

Later sprint(s)

Backlog

Task #1 for this sprint

Task #2 for this sprint

Task #3 for this sprint

• Bite-sized pieces of the top backlog item

Sprint task list

Scrum

• Definition - is a project management

approach that focuses on iterative work

cycles to deliver complete pieces of the

overall product.

Sprints

• Definition: A list of small steps to

accomplish, breaking down a user

story from the backlog

• Each cycle is called a sprint

• Can last 1-3 weeks for a professional

team.

see next slide

Agile Methodology

• Frequent deliverable iteration

• One cycle called a sprint