Vertical slice

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A vertical slice (VS) is a type of milestone, benchmark, or deadline, with emphasis on demonstrating progress across all components of a project.

Overview

The term vertical slice refers to a cross-sectional slice through the layers that form the structure of the software code base. It is mostly used in Scrum terminology where the work is planned in terms of features (or stories).

For example, a software project may consist of three layers (or components):

1. Data access layer (bottom)
2. Business logic layer (middle)
3. User interface layer (top)

References

• Vertical Slicing Training Deck by Ben Clay (Enterprise Scaled Scrum 2009)
• Built to Thrive by Jay van Zyl
• Horizontal and Vertical User Stories - Slicing the Cake by Ned Kremic
• INVEST IN GOOD STORIES, AND SMART TASKS by Bill Wake
• 6 Brilliant Ways to Slice User Stories by Dominic Krimmer
• User Stories 2.0 by Jeff Sutherland