Briefly explain why it is desirable to categorize technical specifications using the categories in Table 3.4 or 3.5.

Documenting Technical Specifications

The categories listed in Table 3.4 can be used to organize and document technical specifications.

TABLE 3.4 Categories of technical specifications

Category	Description
Interfaces	To the environment and other subsystems
Functions	Stimulusresponse pairs
Performance	Response time; throughput
Behavior	Sequences of system states over time
Capacities	Data; communication; memory
Design constraints	Predetermined design decisions
Quality attributes	Safety; security; reliability; others

IEEE Standard 8301998 is a Recommended Practice for Software Requirements Specifications [IEEE830]. Table 3.5 lists the specific requirements to be documented in section 3 of a Software Requirements Specification that conforms to IEEE 830.

TABLE 3.5 Specific requirements in IEEE Standard 8301998

Specific Requirements	Description
External interfaces	Inputs into and outputs from the software system
Functions	Actions taken in accepting and processing inputs and generating outputs
Performance requirements	Static and dynamic quantified requirements
Logical database requirements	Requirements for information to be placed into a database
Design constraints	Constraints imposed by conformance to standards, hardware limitations, etc.
Software system attributes	Reliability; availability; security; maintainability; portability