IEEE Software Requirements Specifications

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is a key factor that should be specified to establish the required reliability of a software system at the time of delivery?

User interface design specifications

Integration requirements with third-party applications

Factors affecting system uptime (correct)

Performance benchmarks for user interaction

Which attribute of software relates directly to the ability to ensure that the software can be run on different operating systems or hardware?

Portability (correct)

Availability

Security

Maintainability

What should specific requirements for security include to protect the software from misuse or unauthorized access?

Performance evaluations for ease of use

Information on system compatibility

Details of cryptographical techniques used (correct)

Methods for enhancing user experience

What should be the focus when organizing requirements in the Software Requirements Specification (SRS)?

Maximizing readability and clarity Signup and view all the answers

Which attribute of software addresses factors that affect its long-term sustainment and adaptability to changes?

Maintainability Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily included in a software requirements specification (SRS)?

Requirements for the software product and its environment Signup and view all the answers

Which attribute of the software is primarily concerned with how software maintains its accuracy and quality over time?

Maintainability Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the 'user' within the context of an SRS?

The person using or interacting with the product Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a good SRS?

Redundant information Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the SRS, external interfaces refer to how software interacts with which of the following?

People, system hardware, and other software Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of joint preparation of the SRS?

It ensures both customer and supplier understand each other's requirements Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the SRS focuses on 'speed, availability, and response time'?

Performance Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes a legally binding document that includes technical and organizational requirements?

Contract Signup and view all the answers

In the SRS evolution process, what is meant by the term 'embedding design in the SRS'?

Design elements are included as part of the requirements Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of an SRS in the software development lifecycle?

To specify the requirements for a software product Signup and view all the answers

What should not be included in an SRS regarding the design of software?

Partitioning the software into modules Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect does the SRS primarily focus on?

The software product itself Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is typically NOT included in an SRS?

User training programs Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'Product perspective' section in an SRS?

To relate the product to other related products and systems Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a common misunderstanding about project requirements in the SRS?

They should be included in an SRS document. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sections is generally NOT found in the Overall Description of an SRS?

Data storage architecture Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended practice for the 'Product perspective' section in an SRS?

Include a block diagram of major components Signup and view all the answers

In which document are project requirements typically specified?

Software development plan Signup and view all the answers

Which class of requirements represents those that will make the software unacceptable if absent?

Essential Signup and view all the answers

What is one benefit of using prototyping during the requirements phase of a project?

It helps to shorten development time due to fewer changes. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of software requirement specifications (SRS), what does the term 'design' refer to?

It describes subcomponents and their interfaces. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a characteristic of a good software requirement?

Includes implementation details. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it beneficial to create a prototype before completing the SRS?

It enables easier validation of requirements through customer feedback. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes conditional requirements?

They enhance the product but are not essential. Signup and view all the answers

What do essential requirements imply about the software?

Their absence makes the software unacceptable. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of an SRS?

The functions to be performed on data to produce results. Signup and view all the answers

Prototyping not only provides answers but also raises new questions. This characteristic mainly assists in which area?

Gathering unanticipated requirements from users. Signup and view all the answers

What should an SRS NOT include according to its role in the software development process?

Implementation details Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is essential for ensuring that an SRS is verifiable?

All requirements should be able to be tested. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean for an SRS to be ranked for importance?

Higher-ranked requirements should be addressed first in development. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following elements makes an SRS complete?

All significant requirements Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the SRS in a larger software system?

To define interfaces and external requirements Signup and view all the answers

An SRS should correctly define all software requirements. What is a consequence of not doing this?

Increased project costs later Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes design constraints in an SRS?

They are outside the scope of the SRS. Signup and view all the answers

How should an SRS treat external requirements imposed by system specifications?

They should be acknowledged and included. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean for an SRS to be unambiguous?

Every requirement is clearly defined without multiple interpretations. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

IEEE Recommended Practice for Software Requirements Specifications

Definitions (conform to IEEE Std 610.12-1990):
- Contract: Legally binding document detailing customer and supplier agreements, including technical, organizational requirements, cost, and schedule for a product. May also include informal information about expectations
- Customer: Individual(s) who pay for the product, and typically determine requirements. Can be from the same organization as the supplier.
- Supplier: Individual(s) creating the product for the customer. Can be from the same organization as the customer.
- User: Individual(s) who directly interact with the product. Usually different from the customer(s).

Considerations for Producing a Good SRS

Nature of the SRS: Specification for a particular software product, program, or set of programs performing certain functions in a specific environment. Written by one or more customer and/or supplier representatives.
- Addresses functionality, external interfaces, performance, attributes (e.g., portability, correctness, maintainability, security), and design constraints.
- Avoids including implementation details or project requirements within the SRS. See Clause 5 for recommended content. Refers to external performance and functionality requirements.
Environment of the SRS: The role of the SRS within a project plan is critical. The SRS may be a complete system specification, or part of a larger system, having interfaces to other parts.
- The SRS should avoid going beyond the bounds of its role in the development process.
- Clearly define software requirements (based on the task/project).
- Specify requirements without design specifics—deal with details in a separate document or step.
- Doesn't specify designs or impose constraints outside the specifications.
Characteristics of a Good SRS:
- Correct: Accurately reflects the intended system.
- Unambiguous: Clearly defined, with no room for misinterpretation.
- Complete: Covers all essential requirements, including functionality, performance, attributes, and external interfaces.
- Consistent: Internally consistent, with no conflicting requirements.
- Ranked: Prioritized based on importance and stability.
- Verifiable: Measurable and testable.
- Modifiable: The ability to adapt the SRS.
- Traceable: Relationships between requirements and other relevant documents.

Complete SRS

An SRS is complete if it includes all significant requirements relative to functionality, performance, design constraints, attributes, or external interfaces, acknowledging external requirements.

Use of TBDs

A "To Be Determined" (TBD) in an SRS signifies an incomplete piece.
- Describes the conditions requiring a TBD (e.g., unknown answers).
- Explains the steps needed to eliminate the TBD, responsible party, and the deadline.

Internal Consistency

Requirements should not internally conflict.
- Real-world object characteristics should not conflict.
- There should be no logical or temporal conflicts between actions.
- Different interpretations of the same object should use standard terms.

Degree of Stability

Classify requirements based on how likely they are to change.

Degree of Necessity

Essential: Requirement needed for acceptable software.
Conditional: Improves software but is not essential.
Optional: Functionality that might enhance the software.

Prototyping

Prototyping is useful for gathering quick feedback and identifying additional requirements.
Prototypes should elicit requirements and not be used to define the design or implementation details.

Embedding Design in SRS

Distinguish between required design constraints and the implementation design.
Focus on the services to be performed and not the specific design items.

Embedding Project Requirements in the SRS

Focus on the software product, not the process of building it.
Project requirements (e.g., cost, schedule, development methodology, quality assurance) are handled separately.

The Parts of an SRS

The outline of the SRS can be used as an example, but other organization structures are possible.
- Include the key sections of the SRS (Introduction, Overview, Specific Requirements, etc.)

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz delves into the IEEE Recommended Practice for Software Requirements Specifications, exploring essential definitions and considerations for producing an effective SRS. Understand the roles of customers, suppliers, and users in the software development process, and learn how to create specifications that meet organizational needs.