What is a Sprint in Scrum?

A Sprint in Scrum is defined as a time-boxed period during which specific work must be completed and made ready for review. This concept is central to the Scrum framework, which emphasizes iterative progress through fixed-duration work cycles. Each Sprint typically lasts between one to four weeks and represents a complete cycle of development that includes all aspects of work: planning, executing, testing, and reviewing.

The purpose of a Sprint is to create a potentially shippable product increment that stakeholders can assess, ensuring that the team remains focused on delivering value within a set timeframe. This structure facilitates regular feedback, adaption, and continuous improvement, which are fundamental principles of Agile methodologies.

In contrast, while a project delivery timeline exists, it does not encapsulate the unique iterative and incremental approach that a Sprint embodies. Similarly, a continuous flow of work refers to different methodologies, such as Kanban, rather than the distinct phases and fixed durations found in Scrum. Lastly, while team evaluations, such as Sprint Retrospectives, occur within the framework of a Sprint, a Sprint itself is not merely a meeting but is the entire cycle of work the team commits to completing.