What does "scope creep" mean in programming?
scope creep is one of the most common terms in software development. This guide explains what it means, how it is used in practice, and why it matters, with real examples from the developer world.
Definition
The gradual, uncontrolled expansion of a project's requirements beyond the original agreement. Scope creep happens when new features, edge cases, or design changes are added without adjusting the timeline or resources. It is one of the most common causes of late or over-budget projects.
Example
"We started with a simple form and now it needs export to PDF, email notifications, and a mobile view — that is scope creep."
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