What is a Software Requirements Document?

In software development, you are highly unlikely to create the right product without proper documentation of software requirements.

Documentation ensures that the software development team or other stakeholders are on the same page regarding what needs to be built and are fully aware of the goal, scope, functional requirements, challenges, and budget regarding the software. However, as much as creating software is exciting, documenting its requirements can be boring and tiresome.

These documents are often long, text-heavy, and full of technical jargon, making them very difficult to understand. This makes them highly vulnerable to misinterpretations and can thus, lead to disastrous results.

To avoid costly design mistakes, product managers and software developers often use pre-made templates that keep the documentation process to the point and easy to understand.

Before we introduce you to our awesome software requirements documentation template, let’s take a quick look at what exactly is a software requirements document and what are the things one needs to include in these documents.

What is a Software Requirements Document – Definition

A software requirements document (also known as software requirements specifications) is a document that describes the intended use-case, features, and challenges of a software application.

What You Should Include in Your Software Requirements Document?

A typical software requirements document should involve the following details:

1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose: Set the expectations for the outcome of the product.

1.2 Intended Audience: Who is the software for? Who is the end-user? Will the software be used internally at a company or externally?

1.3 Intended Use: What is the software for? What problem is it solving?

1.4 Scope: Explain the scope of the software. What are the main goals and objectives? How do they relate to the company’s goals?

1.5 Definitions and Acronyms: Provide an overview of any definitions the reader should understand before reading on.

1. Overall Description: Describe what you are building and for who.

2.1 User Needs: Explain the user needs for this software.

2.2 Assumptions and Dependencies: What assumptions are you making that could cause an error in your approach? Is the project reliant on any other factors that could affect the development of the software?

1. System Features and Requirements

3.1 Functional Requirements: Take time to define the functional requirements that are essential for the software to build.

3.2 External Interface Requirements: Are there any UX and UI requirements that you must keep in mind as you build?

3.3 System Features: What features are required for the software to even work.

3.4 Nonfunctional Requirements: Are there any non-functional requirements that you need to address (i.e. budget, team, etc.)

Software Requirements Documentation Template

To make the process of creating your software requirements document easier, we have created a ready-made software requirements document template for you!