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