What is Product Backlog?
A product backlog is a centralized, prioritized list of all the work that needs to be done on a product. It includes features, enhancements, bug fixes, technical improvements, and other tasks required to deliver value to users and the business. Managed primarily by the product owner, the backlog is a living document that evolves as customer needs, market conditions, and business priorities change.
Items in the product backlog are often written as user stories, with higher-priority items placed at the top for upcoming sprints and lower-priority items kept for future consideration. Regular backlog refinement ensures that entries are clear, relevant, and ready to be acted on by the development team.
The product backlog is not just a to-do list – it is a strategic tool that bridges business goals with execution. By continuously updating and prioritizing backlog items, teams stay aligned, avoid wasted effort, and ensure they deliver the most valuable features first.
