In software engineering, requirements are typically categorized into two main types: functional
and non-functional requirements. Both are crucial for defining what a system should do and how it
should perform.
Functional Requirements
Functional requirements specify what the system should do. They describe the functionality or features
of the system, including:
User interactions: How users will interact with the system (e.g., user authentication, data entry
forms).
System operations: Specific behaviors or actions the system must perform (e.g., processing
transactions, generating reports).
Data management: Requirements related to data input, output, storage, and manipulation (e.g.,
data validation, database interactions).
Business rules: Constraints and rules that govern the system’s functionality (e.g., calculating
discounts, enforcing policies).
Non-Functional Requirements
Non-functional requirements define how the system performs its functions rather than what functions it
performs. They encompass various quality attributes, including:
Performance: Speed and efficiency of the system (e.g., response time, throughput).
Usability: User experience factors (e.g., ease of use, accessibility).
Reliability: System uptime and failure rates (e.g., availability, recovery time).
Scalability: The system's ability to handle increased loads (e.g., accommodating more users or
transactions).
Security: Protection against unauthorized access and data breaches (e.g., encryption,
authentication).
Maintainability: Ease of updating and maintaining the system (e.g., modularity, documentation).
Compatibility: The ability to work with other systems or software (e.g., APIs, data formats).
Software Requirements Document (SRD) Overview
A Software Requirements Document (SRD) is a comprehensive description of the intended purpose and
environment for software under development. It serves as a guide for both developers and stakeholders
throughout the software development life cycle. Here are the key components and guidelines for
creating an effective SRD:
1. Purpose of the SRD
Communication: Acts as a communication tool among stakeholders.
Reference: Serves as a baseline for development, testing, and maintenance.
Validation: Helps in validating that the software meets user needs.
2. Structure of the SRD
A typical SRD may include the following sections:
Introduction
o Purpose of the document
o Scope of the software
o Definitions, acronyms, and abbreviations
Overall Description
o Product perspective (context in which the product will be used)
o Product functions (summary of major functionalities)
o User classes and characteristics (different types of users)
Functional Requirements
o Detailed descriptions of each feature, including inputs, outputs, and behavior.
o Use cases or user stories to illustrate functional interactions.
Non-Functional Requirements
o Performance requirements (e.g., speed, efficiency)
o Usability requirements (e.g., accessibility, user interface standards)
o Reliability requirements (e.g., uptime, error handling)
o Security requirements (e.g., data protection measures)
o Maintainability and scalability needs
System Requirements
o Hardware and software requirements for deployment.
o Interfaces with other systems and applications.
Constraints
o Limitations or restrictions that must be considered (e.g., regulatory, technological).
Assumptions and Dependencies
o Any assumptions made during requirement gathering and dependencies on external
factors.
3. Writing Effective Requirements
Clarity: Use clear and precise language to avoid ambiguity.
Measurable: Ensure requirements can be tested and validated.
Consistent: Avoid conflicting requirements within the document.
Prioritized: Assign priority levels to requirements to guide development focus.
4. Stakeholder Involvement
Engage stakeholders throughout the process to gather comprehensive requirements.
Use techniques like interviews, surveys, and workshops to gather input.
5. Review and Validation
Conduct regular reviews of the SRD with stakeholders to ensure it accurately reflects needs.
Validate requirements through prototyping or user feedback.
6. Version Control
Maintain version control to track changes and updates to the document over time.
7. Tools for Documentation
Consider using requirements management tools (e.g., JIRA, Confluence, Trello) to organize and
track requirements efficiently.
