Glossary
Dependency
In software development, a dependency refers to a relationship between two or more components or modules where one component relies on another to be available, functional, or complete before it can be developed, tested, or deployed.
Dependencies can cause challenges in software development, as they can create delays, complicate testing and deployment, and increase the risk of errors or failures. Therefore, managing dependencies is an important aspect of software development, and various tools and techniques, such as dependency injection and building automation, have been developed to help manage and minimize dependencies.
Dependency Board
A dependency board, also known as a dependency map, is a visual tool that helps teams track and manage dependencies between different tasks, projects, or teams. It is commonly used in Agile methodologies like Scrum to ensure that teams have a clear understanding of how different work items relate to each other and can plan and prioritize their work accordingly.
A dependency board typically consists of a visual representation of the different work items or projects, along with lines or arrows that indicate the dependencies between them. For example, if Task A cannot be started until Task B is completed, there would be a line connecting Task A and Task B to show this dependency.
Dependency boards are especially useful for large, complex projects where there are many interdependent tasks or teams. By visualizing the dependencies, teams can identify potential bottlenecks, mitigate risks, and optimize their work. They can also help teams to communicate more effectively and collaborate more closely, as everyone has a clear understanding of how their work fits into the larger picture.
There are many different tools and software available to create dependency boards, ranging from simple whiteboards or sticky notes to digital tools like JIRA, Trello, or Asana. The key is to find a tool that works well for your team and project and to keep the board up-to-date and accessible to everyone who needs it.
Product Backlog
A product backlog is a prioritized list of features, enhancements, and other work items that a product team plans to deliver for a product. It is a central artifact in Agile development methodologies like Scrum and Kanban, and it provides a single source of truth for the team to understand what needs to be built and what the priorities are.
The product backlog is created and maintained by the product owner, who is responsible for defining the features and prioritizing the work based on customer needs, business goals, and other factors. The product backlog items are typically expressed as user stories, which describe the functionality or value that the user will receive from the feature or enhancement.
The product backlog is an evolving document that is continuously refined and reprioritized as the team gains new insights and feedback from customers and stakeholders. It is used to guide the team's work during sprint planning, where they select the most important items from the backlog to work on during the upcoming sprint.
The product backlog helps to ensure that the team is aligned on the goals and priorities of the product and that they are delivering the most valuable features to the customers and stakeholders. By keeping the backlog up-to-date and prioritized, the team can stay focused on delivering the most important work items first, leading to a faster time-to-market and a better product.
Team Dependendcy Spider
A "team dependency spider" is an effective tool or approach commonly used in project management and software development to visualize and manage the complex dependencies between teams or individuals within an organization. The term "spider" is a metaphor for the intricate web-like connections that exist between team members and their interdependent tasks and responsibilities.
Through the use of the team dependency spider, organizations can map out these dependencies to identify potential bottlenecks or areas of overlap, and then adjust workflows accordingly to ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals and timelines. This process can significantly improve communication, coordination, and overall efficiency within the organization, leading to better project outcomes and the successful completion of critical tasks.