A backlog is an ordered list of work items that a team may complete for a product, project, or service.
It can contain requirements, user stories, defects, technical tasks, and other work. The order usually reflects value, urgency, risk, and dependencies. Therefore, the most important items appear near the top.
A product backlog contains the planned work for a product. In contrast, a sprint backlog contains the items that a team selects for the current sprint.
Teams refine high-priority items in greater detail. Meanwhile, lower-priority items can remain less detailed. Moreover, teams estimate, review, and update backlog items regularly.
A well-maintained backlog supports prioritization, planning, transparency, and coordinated delivery.
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