Explaining the Difference between Functional and Non-functional Requirements

Functional requirements in software development projects specify what the system should do. They describe the specific functionality that the software application must provide to its users. These requirements are usually expressed as features that the system must have, such as user authentication, data input forms, or report generation.

On the other hand, non-functional requirements are criteria that describe how the system should perform. They focus on aspects such as performance, security, reliability, and usability. Non-functional requirements are not related to the specific functionality of the system but rather how well the system performs its functions.

In summary, functional requirements define what the system should do, while non-functional requirements define how well the system should do it. Both types of requirements are important for ensuring the success of software development projects.