What is considered technical debt?

Technical debt refers to the concept of taking shortcuts in software development or project management that may lead to greater difficulties or obstacles in the future if not addressed. It represents the trade-offs made when choosing a quicker solution over the more time-consuming one that would ultimately yield better long-term benefits. In this context, the correct answer emphasizes that technical decisions, if left unaddressed, can create significant challenges down the line.

By acknowledging these decisions as potential barriers, practitioners can better understand the implications of prioritizing rapid deployment over the necessary time to create a sustainable solution. This understanding helps teams address technical debt proactively rather than allowing it to accumulate, which could hinder project progress and quality.

The other options, while related to project practices, do not capture the essence of technical debt in the same way. Additional documentation may be a burden but is not a decision leading to future obstacles. Excessive testing can delay delivery but isn't inherently a debt; it's more about the balance between quality assurance and time management. Lastly, the use of outdated technologies might indicate a need for modernization rather than defining technical debt in the context of decisions made during development processes.