Functional Requirements: These are the essential features and functionalities demanded by the end user, forming the core capabilities of the system. Represented in terms of inputs, operations, and expected outputs, they are directly observable in the final product and are integral to fulfilling the user’s needs. Examples include determining the system’s required features and identifying edge cases for consideration during design.
Non-Functional Requirements: These are the quality constraints mandated by the project contract, dictating the standards the system must meet. They encompass aspects such as portability, security, reliability, and performance, contributing to the overall system’s effectiveness and usability. Examples include specifying minimum latency for request processing and ensuring high system availability.
| Functional Requirements | Non-functional Requirements |
|---|---|
| Define what the system should do. | Define how the system should perform. |
| Describe specific features or functions. | Specify quality attributes and constraints. |
| Focus on behavior and functionality. | Focus on performance, reliability, security, etc. |
| Can be verified through testing. | Often difficult to verify through testing alone. |
| Expressed as user stories, use cases, or features. | Expressed as quality attributes or constraints. |
| Examples: User authentication, data entry, search functionality. | Examples: Performance (response time, throughput), reliability, security, usability. |
[…] Q1 c) Explain functional and non-functional requirements. […]