Functional vs Non Functional Requirements

When building software, capturing requirements accurately is crucial to delivering a product that meets user expectations and business goals. These requirements are broadly categorized into functional and non-functional requirements. While they serve different purposes, they work together to define the overall behavior and quality of a software system. Here’s a closer look at both.

1. Functional Requirements

Definition: Functional requirements specify what a system should do. They define the features and functionality of the software, describing how the system behaves in response to inputs or interactions.

Key Characteristics:

• Focus on what the system does.
• Define specific inputs, processes, and outputs.
• Directly aligned with user needs and business objectives.
• Typically documented as use cases, user stories, or system requirements.

Examples:

• A user must be able to log in using a username and password.
• The system should send an email confirmation when a user registers.
• A search feature should allow users to filter results by date.
• The application must allow users to upload and download files.

Documentation Format: Functional requirements are often captured in a Software Requirements Specification (SRS) document and…