mittfunktsionaalset

Mittfunktsionaalset is an Estonian term that translates to "non-functional" in English. It is primarily used in the context of technology, software development, and systems engineering to describe characteristics or requirements that do not directly relate to the core operations or features of a system. Unlike functional requirements, which define what a system *does*, non-functional requirements describe *how* a system performs its functions.

These requirements encompass a wide range of aspects. Performance is a key non-functional characteristic, detailing how quickly a system should respond, its throughput, and its scalability under various loads. Security is another critical area, addressing aspects like data protection, authentication, authorization, and resilience against threats. Usability, which refers to how easy and intuitive a system is for users to operate, is also considered non-functional.

Other common non-functional requirements include reliability, ensuring the system operates without failure for a specified period; maintainability, the ease with which a system can be modified or repaired; and portability, the ability of the system to run in different environments. The availability of a system, meaning the percentage of time it is operational and accessible, is also a non-functional concern.

Defining and meeting non-functional requirements is crucial for the overall success and user satisfaction of any technological product or service. They significantly influence the design, architecture, and implementation decisions made throughout the development lifecycle. Failure to adequately address these aspects can lead to systems that, while technically functional, are slow, insecure, difficult to use, or prone to failure.