网站首页 > 厂商资讯 > 禾蛙 >

How to document non-functional requirements in English？

In today's fast-paced technological world, software development is no longer just about meeting functional requirements. Non-functional requirements play a crucial role in ensuring that a software system meets the needs of its users. These requirements are not about what the system does, but rather how it performs and behaves. Documenting non-functional requirements in English is essential for effective communication and successful software development. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to document non-functional requirements in English, with practical examples and best practices.

Understanding Non-Functional Requirements

Non-functional requirements are constraints or qualities that define the attributes of a system, rather than specific behaviors or functions. They can be categorized into several types, including:

Performance: This includes response time, throughput, latency, and scalability.
Usability: This refers to the ease of use, user interface, and user experience.
Security: This involves data protection, access control, and confidentiality.
Reliability: This includes system availability, fault tolerance, and error handling.
Maintainability: This relates to the ease of making changes to the system, such as updates, upgrades, and repairs.
Portability: This involves the ease of transferring the system to different environments or platforms.

How to Document Non-Functional Requirements in English

Start with a Clear Objective: Before you begin documenting non-functional requirements, ensure you have a clear understanding of the project's goals and objectives. This will help you identify the relevant non-functional requirements.
Use Standardized Terminology: Use industry-standard terminology to ensure clarity and consistency. For example, use "performance" instead of "speed," "usability" instead of "user-friendliness," and "security" instead of "safety."
Be Specific and Measurable: Non-functional requirements should be specific and measurable. For example, instead of stating "the system should be fast," specify "the system should respond to user requests within 2 seconds."
Use a Consistent Format: Use a consistent format for documenting non-functional requirements. This could be a table, a list, or a structured document. The key is to ensure that the format is easy to read and understand.
Incorporate Use Cases: Include relevant use cases to illustrate the non-functional requirements. This will help stakeholders understand the context in which the requirements apply.
Review and Validate: Once you have documented the non-functional requirements, review them with stakeholders to ensure they are accurate and complete. Make any necessary revisions based on their feedback.
Maintain the Requirements: Non-functional requirements should be regularly reviewed and updated as the project progresses. This will help ensure that the system continues to meet the needs of its users.

Practical Examples

Performance: "The system must support at least 100 concurrent users, with a response time of no more than 500 milliseconds for all transactions."
Usability: "The user interface must be intuitive and easy to navigate, with clear and concise instructions for all functions."
Security: "The system must implement strong encryption for all data transmission and storage, and must comply with industry-standard security protocols."
Reliability: "The system must have a minimum availability of 99.9%, with automatic failover mechanisms in place to ensure continuous operation."
Maintainability: "The system must be designed with modularity in mind, allowing for easy updates and upgrades without disrupting the overall functionality."
Portability: "The system must be compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems, and must be able to run on both desktop and mobile devices."

By following these guidelines and incorporating practical examples, you can effectively document non-functional requirements in English. This will help ensure that your software system meets the needs of its users and performs as expected.