required

The term "required" functions primarily as an adjective or verb indicating necessity or obligation. In general usage, it describes something that is mandatory, essential, or indispensable for a specific purpose, situation, or outcome. For example, a "required course" in an educational context refers to a class that students must complete to meet graduation criteria.

In software development and digital forms, "required" is often used as a property or attribute to specify that certain information must be provided before proceeding. For instance, a form field marked as required ensures that users cannot submit the form without filling in that field, thus enforcing data integrity and completeness.

The concept of requirement is also central in project management and engineering, where it refers to a condition or capability that must be met to satisfy stakeholders’ needs. Requirements can be functional, detailing what a system should do, or non-functional, describing quality attributes such as performance or security.

In legal and contractual contexts, "required" denotes actions or obligations that are legally mandated. Compliance with certain regulations or standards is deemed required for lawful operation or certification.

Overall, "required" emphasizes the importance of fulfilling a necessity. Its application across diverse fields highlights its role in ensuring standards, completeness, and compliance in various processes and systems.