requirements analysis

Requirements analysis, also called requirements engineering, is the process of determining user expectations for a new or modified product. These features, called requirements, must be quantifiable, relevant and detailed. In software engineering, such requirements are often called functional specifications. Requirements analysis is an important aspect of project management.

Requirements analysis involves frequent communication with system users to determine specific feature expectations, resolution of conflict or ambiguity in requirements as demanded by the various users or groups of users, avoidance of feature creep and documentation of all aspects of the project development process from start to finish. Energy should be directed towards ensuring that the final system or product conforms to client needs rather than attempting to mold user expectations to fit the requirements.

Requirements analysis is a team effort that demands a combination of hardware, software and human factors engineering expertise as well as skills in dealing with people.

Learn more about Software Requirements Documentation

Do you have something to add to this definition? Let us know. Send your comments to techterms@whatis.com

More resources from around the web: - Scout Requirements Engineering Consulting Group offers concise articles on requirements analysis. - Meryl.net outlines some problems encountered in requirements analysis. - Watermark Learning offers courses in requirements analysis for the enterprise. - Quiz: Do you speak project management?

FILE EXTENSION AND FILE FORMAT LIST File Extension and File Format List: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #

RELATED CONTENT VisibleThread aims to boost IT documentation quality, improve processes Start-up VisibleThread's new software document structure and quality analysis tool has uses ranging from requirements management to documentation... When it comes to requirements, what is 'just enough'? Find out how to check requirements to find out if they fit users' needs without going overboard. How to deliver, implement testable software requirements Knowing how to develop and implement software requirements is key in meeting client goals and delivering the best product, in this tip you will learn...

RELATED GLOSSARY TERMS Terms from Whatis.com − the technology online dictionary functional specification  (SearchSoftwareQuality.com) Software Engineering Institute (SEI)  (SearchSoftwareQuality.com) The Software Engineering Institute (SEI) is a research, development and training center involved in computer software and network security. The SEI...