Practical Software Requirements

A Manual of Content and Style
Benjamin L. Kovitz
  • September 1998
  • ISBN 9781884777592
  • 448 pages
  • printed in black & white
This title has been retired and is no longer for sale.

Practical Software Requirements is a comprehensive guidebook for the programmer or manager writing requirements for the first time, as well as the experienced system analyst.

The author takes a unique approach to the subject: that a useful requirements document derives from the techniques employed by programmers and interface designers. His in-depth treatment includes non-hierarchical ways to break down complex problems, elements of the problem domain, and different information needed for different problem types.

An extensive section on style covers the nuts and bolts of making the information understandable: how to group and sequence topics, how to word a definition, even how to avoid boring the reader.

This unusual, example-filled book covers all aspects of a daunting but critical task: giving development staff all the information they need to do their jobs.

what's inside

  • Elements of a software problem
  • User (and other) interface design documentation
  • How useful requirements derive from known programming techniques
  • Describing the problem domain
  • Non-hierarchical methods for breaking down problems
  • Applying Michael Jackson's "problem frames"
  • Common mistakes and how to fix them
  • Example documents from real projects

about the author

Ben Kovitz, a freelance consultant, has 15 years of experience in software engineering, both reading and writing requirements. He has worked as programmer, tester, system analyst, user-interface designer, and technical writer.

choose your plan

team

monthly
annual
$49.99
$499.99
only $41.67 per month
  • five seats for your team
  • access to all Manning books, MEAPs, liveVideos, liveProjects, and audiobooks!
  • choose another free product every time you renew
  • choose twelve free products per year
  • exclusive 50% discount on all purchases
  • Practical Software Requirements ebook for free