Recognize that “A large number of Glitches in software development often stem from unclear or incorrect functional requirements?” Regardless of the quality of the code, flaws can’t be rectified if there is any confusion in the stipulations.
This guide on Software Requirements Specification (SRS) dictates that requirements ought to be lucid, precise, quantifiable and comprehensive, devoid of any contradictions.
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It is advisable to identify and rectify any conflicts within requirements in the early stage of the development life cycle itself.
The cost of rectifying mistakes after project completion or product launch is significant. Hence, it’s crucial to review the requirements and detect any faulty ones before commencing the design specifications and project execution stages of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
Topics Covered:
Approach to Assess Functional SRS Documents
Primarily, we need to propose specific tests to evaluate the stipulations. Upon passing all requirements through these examinations, you can then review and finalize the functional stipulations.
Consider this prototype situation, you are developing a web solution. The relevant requirement is as follows: “Web-based solution should efficiently address user queries.”
How would you finalize the Requirement in this scenario?
What would be your Requirement Satisfaction metric? To find the solution, consult with stakeholders: What response time is ideal for you? If they suggest a response time of 2 seconds, that would be the measure of your requirement. Confirm this requirement and proceed with the next requisition in the same manner.
We just learned how to assess the requirements and confirm them in the Design, Execution, and Testing stages.
Consider this subsequent scenario: While working on a Web-Based project, the client (stakeholders) defined the project requisites during the initial phase. All these stipulations were shared with the team by my supervisor for review. Our discussion around these requisites was characterized by disbelief!
Individual interpretations varied widely concerning the requirements. We concluded that many ambiguous terms were included in the requirement document, which was then sent back to the client for review/clarification.
Influenced by various interpretations, the client’s choice of language made it challenging to discern the exact meaning. The updated requirement document sent by the client was clear enough to confirm for the design phase.
Through this experience, we understood that precise and consistent requirements are crucial.
The subsequent step in assessing requirement specification is “Identifying overlooked requirements,” which we will now examine.
Identifying Overlooked Requirements
Repeatedly, project designers lack a comprehensive understanding of each specific module, leading them to make assumptions about certain requirements in the design stage. It is essential that all requirements are defined, covering all aspects of system development, and not based on any assumptions.
Specifications should outline the types of requirements, i.e., the system capabilities and prohibitions.
Usually, I utilize my method to identify any unmentioned stipulations. As I review the Software Requirements Specification document (SRS), I make notes concerning my interpretation of stipulated requirements, plus any other presumed requirements that should ideally be covered within the SRS document.
This approach helps me question any unspoken requirements, consequently facilitating greater clarity.
To verify the comprehensiveness of the requirements, segregate the requirements into three sections: ‘Must implement’ requirements, ‘assumed’ but unspecified requirements, and ‘speculative’ requirements. Assess if all kinds of requirements are addressed before proceeding to the software design phase.
Occasionally, stakeholders may impose their expertise into the current development cycle, without considering the relevance to the project at hand. It is vital to identify such requirements.
Try to exclude all unrelated requirements during the initial developmental phase.
Otherwise, instigate a conversation with stakeholders, asking why they wish to implement a specific requirement. This will provide a detailed description of the particular requirement, making it easier to design the system with the future scope in mind.
How should one decide on the relevance of the requirements?
The simple answer is: Determine the project’s objective and ask this question: Will omitting this requirement hinder achieving our specified goal? If not, then the requirement is irrelevant. Check with stakeholders on their desire to include such requirements.
In summary, the Requirements Specification (SRS) document must address:
- The functionality of the project (permitted and forbidden actions).
- Interfaces for software & hardware and the user.
- System accuracy, security, and performance criteria.
- Potential implementation issues (risks).
Wrapping Up
We have discussed nearly all aspects of requirement assessment. For specificity, we’ll encapsulate the essence of requirement testing shortly.
“Requirements should be distinct, precise, devoid of uncertainties, measurable using specific values, testable with an evaluative benchmark for each requirement, and comprehensive, without any contradictions.”
Initiate testing at the requirements phase to avoid additional requirement-based glitches. Frequently communicate with your stakeholders to clarify all requirements before initiating design and implementation of the project.
Do you have any experiences with Software Requirements Testing? Please feel free to share your experiences in the comments section below.