Software requirements
Software requirements are the foundation of any build, from enterprise productivity tools to fun apps that engage users. Learn the vital software requirements gathering techniques, what types of software requirements exist and why, and tools for collection and management from experts in the field and your peers on Agile, UX and QA teams.
Top Stories
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Answer
13 Apr 2023
How to write a business requirements document in Agile
An Agile software team shouldn't rely on rigid processes or a control board to get the job done, but it still needs to make business requirements a central focus. Enter the BRD. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Mar 2021
How to write a good user story for cleaner code
A good user story isn't always easy to write. Answer key questions in easily understandable language to get development teams on the same page. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Dec 2022
rapid mobile app development (RMAD)
Rapid mobile application development (RMAD) uses low-code/no-code programming tools to expedite the application creation process for mobile platforms. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Nov 2022
use case
A use case is a methodology used in system analysis to identify, clarify and organize system requirements. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Nov 2022
user story
A user story is a tool in Agile software development used to capture a description of a software feature from a user's perspective. The user story describes the type of user, what they want and why. A user story helps to create a simplified description of a requirement. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Mar 2022
What is user acceptance testing (UAT)?
User acceptance testing (UAT), also called application testing or end-user testing, is a phase of software development in which the software is tested in the real world by its intended audience. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Feb 2022
software documentation
In the software development process, software documentation is the information that describes the product to the people who develop, deploy and use it. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Mar 2021
How to write a good user story for cleaner code
A good user story isn't always easy to write. Answer key questions in easily understandable language to get development teams on the same page. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Dec 2020
Top 10 software development and test tips of 2020
What can you do better in 2021? Adopt different test tools, automate more processes, run a more productive dev team? Follow this advice from various experts to make it all happen. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Sep 2020
Functional vs. nonfunctional requirements in software engineering
Learn the meaning of functional vs. nonfunctional requirements in software engineering, with helpful examples. Then, see how to write both and build a product that users will love. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jul 2020
7 techniques for better Agile requirements gathering
Avoid headaches when you gather software requirements. Learn these seven Agile techniques to understand requirements without reverting to Waterfall. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Jan 2020
How user story mapping aids requirements gathering in Agile
Agile requirements are dynamic, not static. Collaborate on user story maps to make sense of frequently evolving customer needs, and put a Scrum Master at the center of it all. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Dec 2019
How to get DevOps into compliance, and vice versa
IT organizations that are serious about DevOps, especially with integrated release pipelines, need compliance and governance workflows that dovetail with the app delivery approach. Continue Reading
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News
06 Nov 2019
Atlassian products aid BizDevOps, but integration work remains
IT pros have found Atlassian tools useful for BizDevOps initiatives but would like more integration and consolidated points of management among them in the future. Continue Reading
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News
01 Nov 2019
Atlassian CISO Adrian Ludwig shares DevOps security outlook
Atlassian's CISO believes that eventually, application security mechanisms will be absorbed completely into Agile and DevOps tools -- including his own company's products. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Oct 2019
How to tame ever-changing requirements in software development
When one sprint ends, another begins -- but not before you receive a heaping new pile of requirements. Here's how to deal with requirements changes efficiently, every time, any time. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Oct 2019
UX guidelines for people-friendly software
Nail these UX design concepts for easier transitions from requirements to application design to code. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Sep 2019
How to approach test case design
To be a good tester, start at requirements and user expectations, then develop test cases that make certain those needs are met. Walk through the basics of test cases with expert Gerie Owen. Continue Reading
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Podcast
29 Jul 2019
Apache exec talks prudent open source software project usage
The open source community faces a number of technical and existential threats. A veteran talks open source's role, funding, security and compliance, as well as his favorite projects. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 May 2019
Learn which low-code techniques fit which projects
There's an ideal time and purpose for low- and no-code development tools. And among those platforms there are various modus operandi, each apt for different apps. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jan 2019
How to document software requirements without hating your job
Software requirements specifications explain, in painstaking detail, what is expected of a project. So, why develop without one? It's not worth the risk. Read why an SRS is vital. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jan 2019
How to write and structure worthwhile SRS documentation
Software projects contain many moving parts, and a miscommunication can derail them easily. Keep everyone on the same page with clear and exhaustive requirements specifications. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jan 2019
Ansible vs. Puppet: Declarative DevOps tools square off
Vendors in the declarative DevOps space cater to the increasing emphasis on software quality in the release cycle. See how Puppet and Ansible stack up in this face-off. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Aug 2018
The developer's crash course to the application network
Developers, we get it; you don't want to deal with the network. But hear us out, as a basic understanding of subnets, VPNs and IP addresses boost app stability and performance. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Mar 2018
Enterprise AR apps call for strong use cases, requirements
Developers, hone your AR app pitches with these tips on building use cases and requirements. Get ready, because augmented tools are ready for enterprise prime time. Continue Reading
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Opinion
20 Feb 2018
What developers must know about supervised machine learning
Humans play a vital role in training an ML/AI system. Expert Torsten Volk explains what software developers need to understand about machine learning education. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Sep 2015
Rally Software the go-to ALM tool for Agile developers
Rally Software gives Agile developers an ALM tool that, along with customizable dashboards, offers SAFe training and certification. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Sep 2015
Polarion Software offers compliance-focused ALM
Polarion Software is a browser-based, ALM platform that offers high traceability functions for enterprises with a regulation focus. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Jul 2015
What you need to know about the ALM methodology
Gerie Owen provides an overview of ALM methodology, covering its requirements, development and maintenance phases and its core components. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Dec 2014
How do requirements relate to acceptance criteria?
Requirements and acceptance criteria often seem to be essentially the same thing, but that's not quite true. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jul 2014
CI success depends on quality acceptance criteria
Successful continuous integration requires testable acceptance criteria that help to guide developers. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Mar 2011
How user stories help to define software requirements
User stories play an important role when defining requirements and they also contribute to living documentation during the software development process. In this expert response, Lisa Crispin offers key practices for ensuring that requirements align with user stories and that user stories are accurate. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Mar 2011
Tracking changes to requirements in Agile development
All development teams need to track requirements changes, but depending on the software development lifecycle and overall ALM process, the best approach to change tracking may not be the same across the board. In this response, expert Mike Jones explains how Agile teams can best integrate change tracking into their development process. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Oct 2010
What is a test case? What is a requirement?
After exploring the definition of a test case by surveying test experts, authors and students, consultant Robin Goldsmith learns that interpretations remain ambiguous and varied. Similarly, the level of detail thought to be needed to define requirements can vary and can often drive the level of detail of the test efforts. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Jul 2009
Expert shows seven ways to improve your project management abilities
Project management offices can benefit when the team has a diverse portfolio of skills. Learn how to become a better project manager by reading these seven suggestions, which range from developing talents and group leaders to better assessing software tools. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Mar 2009
Defining requirements during software project feasibility analysis
There are at least two key points in a software project when requirements should be defined. One point people often miss is during feasibility analysis, and failure to define requirements at this stage can doom a project. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jan 2009
How to avoid requirements creep
Despite all the attention placed on defining requirements, creep continues to plague software projects. Learn how a different approach to requirements can curtail that creep. Continue Reading
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Answer
16 Dec 2008
Is a requirements freeze in a software project a bad idea?
Learn why imposing a requirements freeze in an application project is usually a misguided idea. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
14 Oct 2008
Top 10 software requirements tips
Developing quality software starts with the requirements process. If you fail here, your project fails. You end up with software that isn't used -- not to mention wasted time, energy, and money. These software requirements tips -- written by experts such as Karl E. Wiegers, Ellen Gottesdiener, Roxanne Miller, and Martin Crisp -- can help you prevent that. Continue Reading
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Answer
27 Aug 2008
How to estimate change requests in requirements
Software requirements are often subject to change; using a sound estimation process helps greatly to manage change. Requirements expert Betty Luedke explains, in detail, how to implement good estimation techniques. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Aug 2007
Software requirements specification and IEEE standards
What does the IEEE outline for requirements specifications, and how strictly should you abide by that standard? Expert Karl E. Wiegers digs into the details of an SRS. Continue Reading