Event 1: The Sprint

Definition

The Sprint is the heartbeat of Scrum—a fixed-length time-box, usually between one and four weeks, during which a "Done," usable, and potentially releasable product increment is created.

Key Characteristics

• Sprints are consecutive, with a new Sprint starting immediately after the previous one ends.
• The Sprint length stays consistent throughout a project to build a predictable rhythm.
• Scope may be clarified and re-negotiated with the Product Owner during the Sprint, but the Sprint Goal itself is not changed.
• Quality goals do not decrease during the Sprint, even under time pressure.

Contains All Other Events

Sprint Planning, the Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, and Sprint Retrospective all happen inside the Sprint's time-box, making the Sprint effectively a "container" for the other four events.