DoDs

DoDs is an acronym that can refer to more than one term or organization. Among the most common meanings are the Definition of Done in software development and the Department of Defense in the United States, with DoD as the standard abbreviation for the department and DoDs used when referring to multiple entities or instances. Context usually clarifies which meaning is intended.

Definition of Done (DoD) is a documented checklist that a product increment, user story, or task must satisfy to be considered complete. It helps teams align on quality, scope, and readiness for release. Common criteria may include code being complete and reviewed, automated tests passing, documentation updated, acceptance criteria met, and non-functional requirements addressed. The exact DoD is typically agreed within a team or project and can evolve over time as processes improve or project needs change.

Department of Defense (DoD) is the United States federal executive department responsible for national security and the armed forces. It is headed by the Secretary of Defense and operates under the authority of the President and Congress. The DoD oversees the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Marine Corps, along with defense agencies and combatant commands. Its responsibilities include defense policy, procurement, research and development, intelligence, operations planning, and overall military readiness. The DoD functions as a central element of the U.S. national security apparatus and coordinates with other federal agencies as needed.

Other uses of the acronym occur in other countries as Department of Defence or similar titles, and in organizational contexts where DoD stands for Definition of Done or domain-specific terms.