Is it true that each increment in Scrum is independent of the previous increment?

In Scrum, each increment builds upon the previous increments to deliver a cohesive product that continually adds value. This means that the increments are interdependent, as they often rely on features, functionality, or improvements that were introduced earlier. This dependency is crucial for maintaining a unified direction and ensuring that the final product is coherent and integrated.

While each increment can be potentially shippable and should meet the definition of done, the understanding that they build iteratively means that new increments frequently depend on previous work. For instance, if a team develops a feature in one increment, subsequent increments may enhance or add functionalities that rely on the groundwork laid by that feature.

The context around independence may sometimes be understood in terms of technical implementation; however, in a Scrum framework, it reinforces the collaborative and iterative nature of product development. Each increment is not isolated but rather a stepping stone toward the larger goal of a final, integrated product.