What is the product backlog?

The product backlog is defined as a prioritized list of user stories and features that the development team intends to work on. This list acts as the main input into the development process, guiding the team on what to focus on next based on the priorities set by the product owner or stakeholders. Each entry typically includes user stories that represent the requirements, enhancements, and fixes needed for the product. By maintaining an organized and prioritized backlog, the team ensures that they are always working on the most valuable and essential features first, thus efficiently meeting the needs of users and stakeholders.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of what a product backlog is and its key functions in agile methodologies like Scrum. The backlog is not primarily concerned with documenting blockers, acceptance criteria, or timelines; rather, it serves as a dynamic repository of work that evolves as more information becomes available and as priorities change.