Requirements

What Are Functional Requirements

Functional requirements are detailed and measurable specifications that define what a system or software must do to fulfill user and business needs[5]. They describe specific actions, behaviors, and features the system must perform, focusing on the functions that are essential for proper operation[1].

These requirements outline how the system responds to different inputs, what outputs it must produce, and the behavior expected in various scenarios[3]. They are typically phrased as “the system must do <requirement>” and directly align with the goals and tasks users or stakeholders expect the system to achieve[1][3].

Key aspects of functional requirements include:

  • Defining specific tasks, operations, or calculations the system must perform[2][5].
  • Describing how data is processed, stored, or retrieved[3].
  • Outlining business rules and legal or regulatory compliance that must be met[1].
  • Specifying user roles, permissions, and interactions[1].
  • Detailing input-response-output relationships within the system[7].

Examples of functional requirements include:

  • User authentication: The system must enable users to log in with a username and password[2].
  • Data processing: The software calculates and displays the total in a shopping cart[2].
  • Search functionality: Users can search for products by name, category, or price[2][8].
  • Transactional operations: The system processes payments or handles checkout securely[1][8].
  • Reporting: The system generates a monthly report in a specific format (e.g., PDF)[2].

Functional requirements differ from non-functional requirements, which specify qualities or constraints such as performance, reliability, or security, rather than explicit system behaviors[3][7].

References

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