Which option is an example of a functional requirement?

Which option is an example of a functional requirement?

• A. System shall maintain audit logs
• B. System shall be easy to use
• C. System shall have fast load times
• D. System shall be secure

Answer: (A)

Functional requirements specify concrete tasks the system must perform. Maintaining audit logs is a clear example because it describes a specific action the system must carry out: recording events, who performed them, and when, to create an auditable trail. This is a defined function the system executes. In contrast, statements like being easy to use, having fast load times, or being secure describe how the system should behave or perform in general, i.e., quality attributes or constraints, rather than a specific action. They pertain to usability, performance, and security characteristics rather than a particular capability the system must execute. Audit logs, by providing an verifiable record of activity, directly fulfill a functional requirement by enabling traceability and accountability.

Functional requirements specify concrete tasks the system must perform. Maintaining audit logs is a clear example because it describes a specific action the system must carry out: recording events, who performed them, and when, to create an auditable trail. This is a defined function the system executes.

In contrast, statements like being easy to use, having fast load times, or being secure describe how the system should behave or perform in general, i.e., quality attributes or constraints, rather than a specific action. They pertain to usability, performance, and security characteristics rather than a particular capability the system must execute. Audit logs, by providing an verifiable record of activity, directly fulfill a functional requirement by enabling traceability and accountability.