What is the term for the ability to identify related items in documentation and software, especially linking requirements and tests?

The term that describes the ability to identify related items in documentation and software, particularly in establishing connections between requirements and tests, is traceability. Traceability is essential for ensuring that each requirement is addressed by a corresponding test case, which facilitates understanding the relationship between what needs to be delivered and how it will be validated.

This linkage is vital for various reasons, including verifying that all functional requirements are tested and providing a basis for impact analysis when requirements change. By maintaining traceability, teams can ensure that their testing efforts align closely with the defined requirements, promoting accuracy, accountability, and comprehensive coverage of the software.

Other options, such as coverage, refer to the extent to which tests have been executed against the requirements or features but do not inherently involve linking them. Document review pertains to the evaluation process for clarity and completeness but does not focus on the connection between requirements and tests. Quality control is a broader concept that involves ensuring the quality of deliverables throughout the development process, yet it does not specifically address the relationship between requirements and testing documentation. Hence, traceability is the most appropriate term for this specific ability.