Nichtfunktionalitäten

Nichtfunktionalitäten, often translated as non-functional requirements, describe the qualities or characteristics of a system rather than its specific behaviors or functions. While functional requirements define what a system should do, non-functional requirements specify how well it should do it. They are crucial for user satisfaction and the overall success of a software project.

Common categories of non-functional requirements include performance, usability, reliability, security, maintainability, and portability. Performance requirements, for example, might dictate how quickly a system must respond to user input or how many concurrent users it can support. Usability focuses on how easy the system is to learn and operate. Reliability concerns the system's availability and its ability to perform without failure. Security addresses protection against unauthorized access or data breaches. Maintainability refers to the ease with which the system can be modified or updated, and portability describes its ability to operate in different environments.

Failing to address non-functional requirements can lead to significant problems. A system might technically fulfill all its functional specifications but be too slow, difficult to use, or prone to crashing, rendering it effectively useless to its intended users. Therefore, identifying, documenting, and testing non-functional requirements is as important as for functional requirements to ensure a well-rounded and successful product. They set the standards for quality and user experience.