What does maintainability in software denote?

Maintainability in software refers specifically to the ease with which software can be updated and corrected. This encompasses the ability to make changes to the software to fix defects or enhance functionality without excessive cost, time, or complexity. High maintainability means that developers can quickly understand the system's structure and logic, making it simpler to implement changes.

When consider the other options, user satisfaction addresses the measurements of how well the software meets user needs, which does not pertain directly to the software's maintenance aspects. Adaptability to changing requirements speaks to how well the software can adjust to new demands, yet this is more about flexibility rather than ease of maintenance. Lastly, assessing the speed of software execution relates to performance metrics, not to how easily the software can be maintained or altered. Thus, the focus on ease of performing updates and corrections clearly aligns with the definition of maintainability in software.