Viðhaldshæfni

Viðhaldshæfni is an Icelandic term that translates to maintainability in English. It refers to the ease with which a system, product, or piece of equipment can be repaired, modified, or upgraded. In the context of software development, viðhaldshæfni is a crucial non-functional requirement that impacts the long-term cost and success of a project. High viðhaldshæfni means that code is well-structured, documented, and easy to understand, allowing developers to quickly identify and fix bugs, implement new features, or adapt to changing requirements. Conversely, low viðhaldshæfni can lead to increased development time, higher costs, and a greater risk of introducing new errors when changes are made.

Factors contributing to good viðhaldshæfni include clear and consistent coding standards, modular design, comprehensive testing, and thorough documentation. When a system is designed with maintainability in mind from the outset, it is less likely to become obsolete or prohibitively expensive to support over its lifespan. This concept extends beyond software to physical infrastructure, manufacturing processes, and any complex system where ongoing care and adaptation are necessary. The ability to efficiently maintain something directly affects its overall longevity and usefulness.