Certainly, let's delve deeper into each type of requirement:
1. **Functional Requirements:**
Functional requirements specify the behaviors and functions that the software system must perform
to meet the needs of its users. These requirements are typically expressed in terms of actions, tasks, or
operations that the system should support. Here are some key points about functional requirements:
- **User Perspective:** Functional requirements are defined from the perspective of the system's
users or stakeholders. They describe what users should be able to accomplish with the system.
- **Specificity:** Functional requirements are usually specific and measurable. They outline the
precise functionalities that the system needs to provide, leaving little room for interpretation.
- **Verifiability:** Functional requirements are often verifiable through testing. Test cases can be
developed to ensure that each functional requirement is implemented correctly and performs as
expected.
- **Changeable:** Functional requirements may change over the course of the project as
stakeholders' needs and priorities evolve. Therefore, they need to be managed carefully to ensure that
changes are properly documented and implemented.
- **Examples:**
- "The system must allow users to log in using their email and password."
- "Users should be able to add items to their shopping cart."
- "The system must provide an option for users to reset their password."
- "Customers should be able to view their order history."
2. **Non-functional Requirements:**
Non-functional requirements specify the qualities or attributes that the software system must possess,
rather than specific behaviors or functions. These requirements address aspects such as performance,
reliability, security, usability, scalability, and maintainability. Here are some key points about non-
functional requirements:
- **Quality Attributes:** Non-functional requirements focus on the quality attributes or characteristics
of the system. They describe how well the system performs its functions rather than what functions it
performs.
- **Cross-cutting Concerns:** Non-functional requirements often cut across multiple features or
functionalities of the system. They influence the overall design and architecture decisions rather than
specific implementation details.
- **Subjectivity:** Non-functional requirements may be more subjective and difficult to quantify
compared to functional requirements. They often require trade-offs and balancing to meet conflicting
objectives.
- **Evaluation:** Non-functional requirements may be evaluated through various means, such as
performance testing, security assessments, and usability studies.
- **Examples:**
- "The system should respond to user queries within 2 seconds."
- "The system must be available 99.9% of the time."
- "All user passwords must be stored securely using industry-standard encryption algorithms."
- "The system must be compatible with major web browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, and Safari."
In summary, functional requirements define the specific behaviors and functions of a software system,
while non-functional requirements specify the qualities and attributes that determine how well the
system performs those functions. Both types of requirements are essential for ensuring that the
software system meets the needs of its users and stakeholders effectively and efficiently.
