Software Engineering basics - Interface Requirements

Interface Requirements in Software Engineering

Interface Requirements specify how the software system will interact with other systems, users, hardware, or software components. These are a crucial part of the SRS (Software Requirement Specification) document.

Definition:

Interface Requirements define the inputs, outputs, interactions, and communication protocols between the system and external entities such as users, hardware devices, other software, and networks.

Types of Interface Requirements

1. User Interface (UI) Requirements

Describes how users interact with the system.

Examples:

• Login screen must accept username and password.

• The dashboard shall display user statistics with graphs.

• The system shall support touch-based input on tablets.

2. Hardware Interface Requirements

Specifies how the system interacts with physical hardware components.

Examples:

• The software shall communicate with a barcode scanner via USB.

• The system must support printing using network-connected printers.

• Real-time data from a temperature sensor must be read every 10 seconds.

3. Software Interface Requirements

Defines how the system connects to other software systems, applications, or APIs.

Examples:

• The system shall integrate with PayPal and Stripe for payment processing.

• REST API shall accept JSON input and respond with HTTP status codes.

• The application must sync data with the CRM system every 30 minutes.

4. Communication Interface Requirements

Covers data transmission, networking, and communication protocols.

Examples:

• The system shall use HTTPS protocol for all external communication.

• Data shall be encrypted using TLS 1.3 during transmission.

• The app must connect to the server using IPv6-compatible protocols.