What is a requirement in software testing?

A requirement in software testing refers to a condition that must be fulfilled to meet a user’s objective. It is a statement that specifies what the software should do or how it should behave in relation to users’ needs and expectations. These conditions serve as benchmarks for evaluating whether the software meets the intended purpose and functionality.

Requirements can take various forms, including functional specifications, user stories, or acceptance criteria within an Agile context. They guide the development and testing process, giving a clear understanding of what needs to be built and tested to ensure the final product is successful and meets user expectations.

In this context, a feature enhancement aimed at improving usability would not be classified as a requirement but rather as a potential change derived from user feedback. Documented defects found during testing are issues that arise, indicating that the software does not meet its requirements. Likewise, a performance benchmark for software typically relates to measuring the software's performance rather than defining its requirements.