Software Requirements | Requirement Engineering | Feasibility Study, Elicitation, SRS, Validation

Summary

This video from Gate Smashers dives into the critical first step of the software development life cycle: software requirements. It explains the distinction between functional and non-functional requirements, the importance of understanding user and system needs, and the role of the Software Requirement Specification (SRS) document. The presenter illustrates these concepts with a real-life example, emphasizing the necessity of a formal and thorough approach in requirement engineering to avoid future issues. The video also touches on feasibility studies, requirement gathering, validation, and the use of various tools and techniques to support the requirements process.

Takeaways

• 📝 Software requirements are the first step in the software development life cycle, focusing on various types of requirements such as functional, non-functional, user's, and system's requirements.
• 🔍 Requirement engineering involves defining, documenting, and maintaining requirements to ensure the target system meets the initial design specifications.
• 🏗️ The foundation of software development is laid in the requirement phase, akin to laying the foundation of a building to avoid future issues.
• 🤔 A feasibility study is crucial to determine if a system is worth creating, considering technical, cost, and time factors.
• 🗣️ Requirement gathering is an essential phase where information is collected from clients, stakeholders, and users to understand their needs and expectations.
• 📑 The Software Requirement Specification (SRS) document is a well-defined elaboration of the gathered requirements, serving as a blueprint for the system's development.
• 🔍 Software Requirement Validation checks the accuracy and completeness of the SRS document before moving on to the design phase.
• 🔄 Software management involves ongoing communication and updates to the requirements, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned with the project's progress.
• 🛠️ Tool support for requirements includes various methods such as surveys, interviews, and use cases to gather and validate user needs effectively.
• 📈 Visualization tools like mind maps and prototypes help in better communication of complex requirements and designs among the team and stakeholders.
• 🔗 The importance of regular communication cannot be overstated, as it is vital for managing requirements and keeping all parties informed and engaged in the project.

Q & A

What is the significance of the software requirement phase in the software development life cycle?

The software requirement phase is the first step in the software development life cycle, where different types of requirements such as functional, non-functional, user's requirements, and system requirements are discussed. It lays the foundation for the entire development process by defining what the system should do and its characteristics.

What are the two main types of requirements discussed in the script?

The two main types of requirements discussed are Functional Requirements, which specify what the system should do, and Non-Functional Requirements, which specify the system's characteristics such as performance, reliability, and usability.

What is an SRS document and why is it important?

An SRS (Software Requirement Specification) document is a formal description of the system's features and functionalities. It is important because it serves as a contract between the stakeholders and the development team, ensuring that everyone has a clear understanding of what the system should achieve.

What is a feasibility study and what does it aim to determine?

A feasibility study is the first step in the software requirement phase, which aims to determine if the proposed system is worth making, considering factors like technical feasibility, cost, time, and market viability.

What is the role of requirement engineering in the software development process?

Requirement engineering is the process of defining, documenting, and maintaining requirements. It is crucial as it ensures that the requirements are properly captured and understood, which is essential for the subsequent design, implementation, and testing phases.

Why is it important to document the software requirements formally before starting the design and implementation?

Formal documentation of software requirements is important because it provides a clear and unambiguous reference for all stakeholders. It helps in avoiding misunderstandings and ensures that the development team builds the system as per the agreed-upon requirements.

What are some of the methods used for requirement gathering and elicitation?

Some methods used for requirement gathering and elicitation include conducting surveys, interviews, and polls, creating questionnaires, using observation reports, and analyzing existing use cases and user stories.

What is the purpose of a prototype in the software requirement phase?

A prototype serves as a preliminary model of the system that helps stakeholders visualize and evaluate the proposed solution. It aids in identifying potential issues early in the development process and facilitates better communication among the team and stakeholders.

Why is communication considered a critical component of software management and requirement specification?

Communication is critical because it ensures that all stakeholders, including the development team, clients, and users, are on the same page regarding the system's requirements. Regular communication helps in managing changes, updating requirements, and maintaining alignment with the project goals.

What is the significance of using visual aids like diagrams and 3D models in requirement engineering?

Visual aids like diagrams and 3D models are significant in requirement engineering as they help in better communication of complex ideas and system structures. They provide a clear and concise representation of the system's design, making it easier for stakeholders to understand and provide feedback.

How does the script relate the concept of requirement engineering to building a house?

The script relates requirement engineering to building a house by emphasizing the importance of a solid foundation. Just as a house's foundation needs to be strong to support the entire structure, clear and well-defined requirements form the basis for successful software development, preventing future issues.

Outlines

00:00

📝 Introduction to Software Requirements

The video introduces the concept of software requirements as the foundational step in the software development life cycle. It emphasizes the importance of understanding various types of requirements including functional, non-functional, user, and system requirements. The presenter also discusses the significance of the Software Requirement Specification (SRS) document and the feasibility study. The video promises to explain these theoretical topics using real-life examples, encouraging viewers to like, subscribe, and share the content. The target system's features and functionalities are highlighted as the main focus of the software requirements phase, which is part of the broader requirement engineering process.

05:01

🔍 Deep Dive into Requirement Engineering

This paragraph delves deeper into the requirement engineering process, starting with the feasibility study to determine if the proposed system is viable from technical, cost, and time perspectives. It uses the example of Elon Musk's self-driving car concept to illustrate the evolution from idea to reality. The paragraph then discusses the critical phase of requirement gathering and elicitation, where information is collected from clients, stakeholders, and users through interviews, surveys, and brainstorming sessions. The resulting Software Requirement Specification (SRS) is a well-defined document that outlines what the system should do and is essential for further development stages. The importance of software management, validation, and tool support for requirements is also highlighted, with examples of how surveys and user stories can inform the development process.

10:02

🔗 The Importance of Communication and Tools in Requirement Engineering

The final paragraph underscores the importance of communication within the company and with clients and stakeholders in the software development process. It discusses the role of software management in updating and maintaining requirements, and the necessity of using various tools and methods to support the requirement process. These tools include surveys, questionnaires, interviews, polls, and the creation of databases to gather user insights. The paragraph also mentions the use of use cases, user stories, workshops, mind mapping, and prototypes to facilitate better understanding and communication of the system's requirements. It concludes by emphasizing the significance of visual aids like 3D diagrams and prototypes in conveying the project's vision to all stakeholders involved.

Keywords

💡Software Requirement

Software requirements are the initial step in the software development life cycle where different requirements like functional, non-functional, user, and system requirements are discussed. In the video, it is emphasized that documenting these requirements is crucial for the successful development of the system.

💡Functional Requirements

Functional requirements specify what the system should do. They are the features and functions that need to be implemented. The video highlights the importance of clearly defining these to avoid issues later in the development process.

💡Non-Functional Requirements

Non-functional requirements describe how the system performs certain functions, focusing on the system's operation rather than specific behaviors. These include performance, usability, reliability, etc. The video mentions that these are equally important to ensure the system meets user expectations.

💡Feasibility Study

A feasibility study assesses whether a proposed system is technically, economically, and operationally viable. It is the first step in requirement engineering to ensure the system can be developed within constraints. The video uses the example of self-driving cars to illustrate this concept.

💡Requirement Gathering

Requirement gathering involves collecting the necessary information from stakeholders, clients, and users to understand their needs and expectations. The video explains this as a critical phase where various methods like interviews and surveys are used to gather accurate data.

💡Software Requirement Specification (SRS)

An SRS is a detailed document that describes the software system to be developed. It includes all the requirements gathered and ensures they are well-defined and structured. The video emphasizes that this document is foundational for the development process.

💡Requirement Validation

Requirement validation ensures that the documented requirements accurately reflect the stakeholders' needs and that they are feasible. The video stresses the importance of validating requirements to avoid costly errors later in the project.

💡Requirement Engineering

Requirement engineering is the process of defining, documenting, and maintaining software requirements. It involves several steps, including feasibility studies, requirement gathering, and validation. The video refers to this as an art and a formal process essential for successful software development.

💡Stakeholders

Stakeholders are individuals or groups who have an interest in the outcome of a project, such as clients, users, and developers. The video mentions stakeholders multiple times as key participants in the requirement gathering and validation processes.

💡Communication

Effective communication is crucial throughout the requirement engineering process to ensure that all parties are aligned and informed. The video highlights the need for continuous interaction between the company, clients, and stakeholders to manage and update requirements successfully.

Highlights

Introduction to software requirements as the first step in the software development life cycle.

Explanation of different types of requirements including functional, non-functional, user, and system requirements.

Discussion on software requirement specifications and the importance of the SRS document.

Introduction to feasibility study and its role in determining the viability of a software project.

The significance of information gathering and analysis in the software requirements phase.

Real-life example relating to the theoretical concepts of software requirements.

Description of the target system's features and functionalities as outlined in the requirements.

The process of documenting and formalizing requirements before implementation.

Requirement Engineering as a formal discipline and its importance in the building process of software.

The four-step process in requirement engineering including feasibility study, requirement gathering, SRS, and validation.

The role of business analysts in listening to stakeholders and assessing feasibility.

Importance of requirement gathering and elicitation from clients and stakeholders.

The creation of Software Requirement Specification (SRS) as a comprehensive document.

Validation of software requirements for accuracy before moving to the design phase.

The concept of software management and the necessity of regular communication with stakeholders.

Tool support for requirements including surveys, questionnaires, interviews, and polls.

Use of existing use cases and user stories to inform new software requirements.

The application of workshops, mind mapping, and 3D diagrams for effective communication of requirements.

Role of prototypes and dummy models in the early stages of software development.

Conclusion summarizing the comprehensive process of software requirements or requirement engineering.

Transcripts

Dear Students, Welcome to Gate Smashers.

I am going to explain in this video.

Software requirement.

And as you know

software requirement is the first step

of the software development life cycle.

and in which we talk mainly

about the different requirements.

Such as What are Functional Requirements?

What are Non-Functional Requirements?

What are the user's requirements?

What are the System Requirements?

Even software requirement specifications,

What is an SRS document?

What is the feasibility study?

Apart from this, information gathering,

Analysis, all these things,

all these topics

comes under software requirements.

So I will,

See, all these topics are theoretical,

but I will explain them to you

by relating them to

a real-life example.

So guys, immediately like this video

& subscribe to the channel,

if you have not done it yet.

And if you have done it,

then you can subscribe to it from other devices

and also share it.

So see here,

It is a description of the features

and functionality of the target system,

means what system do I have to create?

The client has come.

The client is approaching a company.

Let's say, I have a company,

a client came to the company

that I have to make this system.

Now the target system is,

What features should it have?

What characteristics should it have?

What should be the functionalities?

On that, we talk here in the description.

That means all of its descriptions are

written here, okay.

This means here in the first step

everything is documented,

This means bringing the things

into documentation, which means in writing.

As we say, things in writing.

The implementation will be done later.

Designing, implementing,

testing, etc. are later things.

Elaborate the things first.

it is the description of

what the system should do.

This means what will the system do?

We'll talk about that here.

And all these steps here called

Requirement Engineering.

This means the requirement,

We say, okay, we have this requirement,

we need this thing.

We need that things,

But this is the whole engineering in itself

It is an art to do the thing Properly.

This means we don't do things casually.

We have to do it formally.

See, Why not do it casually?

Because it is a building process,

later on, they will design the system,

then they will implement, test & launch.

Brother, if any problem will come at that time

So we can finish that thing

on the first step.

This means, If a building is to be built,

then the foundation is first laid in the building,

and the base is made.

so that thing is this.

If there is a problem in the base,

there is a problem in the foundation.

So the problem will definitely come

in the future on the top.

So that's why it is a complete

engineering in itself, it is an art.

If we're talking about this,

the requirement engineering,

It refers to the process of defining,

documenting & maintaining

requirements in the,

It is the same thing,

making things properly, defining them,

and maintaining them.

so that my target system

becomes what I designed today,

all the things I wrote today.

It is a four-step process.

means it has four processes in it.

First, feasibility study.

What does a feasibility study mean,

Is your system feasible?

Is it worth making or not?

These things are our first step.

See, The man who is coming to me.

Anyone who is approaching the company.

So he has a raw idea.

Something pops into the head that

I want to make this thing

or do it like this.

So based on this idea, analysts are

Like business analysts

Or strategy analysts or IT analysts.

First, They will listen to him.

There are the stakeholders or clients

or users, they will listen to him first.

And then in a way, they will think

That yes man, are these things feasible?

Technically this thing is feasible or not.

Or cost wise

Or time-wise. It is not that

the technology will change by

the time it comes onto the market.

Many things have to be taken into

consideration & its feasibility has to be checked.

Like, I give you a simple example.

Elon Musk

He must have thought of the idea of

Self-driving cars.

Now when the idea came to his mind,

to build a car that drives itself

So it must have crossed the mind of many people,

has he gone mad, can such a thing be made?

But if you look at today's time,

then such things are already running outside.

It is not running in India.

Coming to India is also a bit of

a challenge in itself.

because there are so many samples here,

who will drive at a speed of 20 on the highway

& in the streets, they will drive at aspeed of 80.

So somewhere, it will be

very challenging in India.

But In the feasibility Study,

Let's assume that the mindset has to be kept

that nothing is impossible

only then you can think

in a little broadway.

Let's think it is feasible, that yes

This system is feasible, cost-wise,

and everything-wise means it can be made.

Then, requirement gathering.

This is a very important phase.

Requirement gathering and elicitation.

What does it mean?

Now, gather the things.

Now you gather the information,

gather it from the client.

What does the client want?

Gather from the stakeholder.

What does the user want?

And then sit in the company

and do proper brainstorming.

Can these things make?

This is the gathering phase,

This is all a phase of gathering

the information in a way.

This is a very important phase

because this is where

your story mainly starts.

Then Software requirement specification.

I mean, I've gathered the things.

I gathered the information.

I conducted different interviews.

I conducted the services.

I also did brainstorming.

I have done the meetings.

I have done a lot of conferences.

I did a lot of things.

With the stakeholders,

with the clients, and with the users.

And after bringing everything to mind,

I thought, yes man.

some of my things can be done like this

And then I wrote it

in an elaboratic well defined way

and it is called

Software Requirement Specification (SRS).

I have made a separate video on this,

its link you will find in the above

suggestive video or in the description.

So definitely check it,

because it is a main topic in itself.

The rest is the theory

It will end here only.

But this is a main topic in itself,

it is a separate topic,

which is often asked, okay.

You will do that separately.

Then Software Requirement Validation.

I defined everything properly,

wrote it properly, and made a document.

Now we have to validate

means to check its accuracy

& all those things.

So that it can be finally signed.

And then start working

in the designing phase.

So it's a way to validate things,

Properly Check the things.

One thing more goes along with it.

That's software management.

Software Management.

We call it Software management

or also call it, software management

requirements or specifications.

What does software management mean?

You're managing things.

You're changing,

& updating things on your end.

So proper communication is necessary.

Communication is most commonly

used in this phase.

Communication means interacting with each other.

Whether it is the people within

the company who will work on that project,

Or communication with clients

communicates with stakeholders.

Regular communication is very important.

And based on that communication,

You will come to a proper document,

then the final work will start.

This is a very important point.

Tool support for the requirement.

Now all the requirements that you are doing,

how will you do that,

for that you need some tools

or some other methods.

So we have those methods,

such as observation report,

user observation means

what the user wants

like we do the surveys,

different kinds of surveys are done.

Questionnaires are filled.

There are a lot of people who

fills out the questionnaire at the start.

Conduct Surveys, interviews, and polls.

I will take a simple example.

Like in today's time,

if I also want to start a course.

So it's not that I'll start it straightway.

I can put a poll on the community.

That brother, on which topic

or on which particular competitive exam,

you want a course.

So that we get a little idea in that way.

So it comes to know what is the interest.

So the same thing is here.

Creating a database means in a way

you have to create a lot of data.

And for that, you have to do the

interviews surveys, polls, and all this.

Use cases mean using the case you already have.

User stories are things that are already made

It doesn't mean that

you have to make it all new

Like, Indian Railways has a system,

& they want that my

whole system becomes online

online ticketing, all this should be done.

It has been already done but

They already had an offline system.

People used to go offline and buy tickets.

This mean, they had an idea

that things go like this.

Just they convert the entire offline system

into online.

This is just converting

an already existing into online.

But as I gave the example of Elon Musk,

cars already running.

But making a self-drive car,

that itself is a big challenging task.

So these are the things that are different,

the things that are already going on

have to be used,

Its base has to be maintained.

Requirement different workshops,

mind mapping.

Like, there is a software Mindtree,

and what happens in it,

we make very good 3D diagrams,

very good elaborating diagrams.

so that we can communicate well.

It is not that you only write theory

means you pasted 15 pages of theory

It is like, maximum like I have done MTech,

I know when we create a report, etc.,

So what do we do in it?

We make a report of 50 pages.

you also know no one reads that reports.

No one even sees.

Check out two to three pages of starting,

have seen superficially what is done in it,

and see its summary. That's it.

But when crores of, billions of rupees

will invest in a project at the company level.

so it is very important to examine it closely.

So, instead of theory,

you bring the best diagram

3D diagrams, so that you can tell

your things better.

Like I give the best example.

When you will go to buy

a house or flat in any society.

So they have made full videos in 3D.

They show you the entire project

in 3D view. So you will know that

How will it look after it's built?

That is a very important thing.

Similarly, role-play, prototype,

a dummy model.

The design will come later.

Make a kind of raw diagram or

a raw-like thing.

So that everyone,

whatever the people who are in the loop,

there are clients, the stakeholders,

and users too,

the company itself who is making.

So they can all be in a loop

and consistently prepare things.

So the entire story comes under

the software requirement or

we also call it requirement engineering.

Thank you.