Core Components of Definition of Done

The Definition of Done (DoD) comprises several essential components that collectively ensure comprehensive quality across all deliverables. These components form the foundation of our quality standards and should be consistently applied across all work.

1. Code Quality

Code quality ensures that all code meets established standards for readability, maintainability, and performance.

Key elements include:

• Adherence to coding standards and style guides
• Appropriate code comments and documentation
• Acceptable cyclomatic complexity
• No code smells or anti-patterns
• Peer code review completion
• Static code analysis compliance

→ Learn more about Code Quality Standards

2. Testing

Testing verifies that code functions as expected, meets requirements, and does not introduce regressions.

Key elements include:

• Unit tests written and passing
• Integration tests written and passing
• End-to-end tests as appropriate
• Acceptance criteria verified
• Performance tests where applicable
• Test coverage meeting minimum thresholds

→ Learn more about Testing Implementation

3. Security

Security ensures that code and infrastructure are protected against vulnerabilities and threats.

Key elements include:

• Security requirements implemented
• Security testing completed
• No high or critical vulnerabilities present
• Secure coding practices followed
• Authorization and authentication properly implemented
• Data protection measures in place

→ Learn more about Security Standards

4. Performance

Performance ensures that the system operates efficiently and meets expected performance criteria.

Key elements include:

• Performance requirements met
• Load testing conducted as needed
• Response time within acceptable range
• Resource utilization optimized
• Database query performance verified
• Client-side performance metrics met

5. Documentation

Documentation ensures that code, APIs, features, and processes are properly documented for future reference.

Key elements include:

• Code documentation (comments, JSDoc, etc.)
• API documentation updated
• README files current
• Release notes prepared
• Architecture/design documentation updated
• User documentation where applicable

6. Build & Deployment

Build and deployment ensures reliable CI/CD processes for consistent software delivery.

Key elements include:

• CI/CD pipeline passing
• Build artifacts properly versioned
• Deployment automation in place
• Environment configuration verified
• Rollback capability verified
• Deployment tested in appropriate environments

→ Learn more about CI/CD Pipeline

7. Feature Completeness

Feature completeness ensures that all required functionality is implemented as specified.

Key elements include:

• All acceptance criteria met
• Edge cases handled
• Error handling implemented
• All states/workflows functional
• Feature toggles configured correctly
• Backward compatibility maintained if required

8. Accessibility

Accessibility ensures that software is usable by people with diverse abilities and disabilities.

Key elements include:

• Accessibility requirements met
• Screen reader compatibility
• Keyboard navigation supported
• Color contrast requirements satisfied
• ARIA attributes properly implemented
• Accessibility testing completed

9. Internationalization & Localization

I18n/L10n ensures that software can be adapted to different languages and regions.

Key elements include:

• Internationalization framework in place
• UI strings externalized for translation
• Date, time, and number formatting localized
• Right-to-left language support if required
• Translation process verified
• Cultural considerations addressed

10. Technical Debt Management

Technical debt management ensures that accumulated debt is tracked and addressed appropriately.

Key elements include:

• No new unplanned technical debt
• Planned technical debt documented
• Technical debt metrics tracked
• Refactoring plan in place if needed
• Legacy code handled according to standards
• Architecture consistency maintained

→ Learn more about Technical Debt Management

11. Compliance

Compliance ensures adherence to relevant legal, regulatory, and industry standards.

Key elements include:

• Regulatory requirements satisfied
• Privacy regulations (GDPR, CCPA, etc.) addressed
• Industry standards followed
• Internal policy compliance verified
• Licensing requirements met
• Audit requirements addressed

→ Learn more about Regulatory Compliance

12. Monitoring & Observability

Monitoring ensures that systems can be effectively observed in production environments.

Key elements include:

• Logging implemented to standard
• Monitoring instrumentation in place
• Alerts configured appropriately
• Health checks implemented
• Metrics collection enabled
• Dashboard updates if required

→ Learn more about Monitoring Implementation

Applying the Core Components

Each organization and team should adapt these core components based on their specific context, while maintaining the fundamental quality standards. The specific criteria within each component should be:

• Explicit: Clearly defined and documented
• Visible: Accessible to all team members
• Measurable: Objectively verifiable
• Achievable: Realistic within normal constraints
• Relevant: Appropriate to the work being done

These components should be reviewed and refined regularly as part of the Evolution Process to ensure they remain relevant and effective.