Software Quality Attributes 1
Software Quality Attributes 1
1. Reliability
Reliability means the software works as expected, even under heavy use. It includes:
• Availability: How often the system is available for use. 100% availability means it never
goes down.
• Recoverability: How quickly the system can recover after a failure.
• Fault Tolerance: How well the system handles hardware failures.
Example: If an e-commerce website's server crashes, a reliable system will automatically switch to
another server without downtime.
2. Maintainability
Maintainability is about how easy it is to update the software, add features, or fix issues. Well-
organized code and good documentation make maintenance easier.
Example: If new privacy laws are introduced, software with well-structured code will adapt faster
than outdated systems.
3. Usability
Usability measures how easy and intuitive the software is for users. It depends on good design,
accessibility, and user experience (UX).
Example: A well-designed e-commerce site will have a clear "Return Item" option in the orders
section, making it easy for users to find and use.
4. Portability
Portability is the ease of moving the software to different environments (e.g., hardware, operating
systems).
Example: A web app works fine on Android but doesn’t function on iPhones. If designed well, such
issues are easy to fix.
5. Correctness
Correctness ensures the software behaves as described in its specifications.
Example: If the software is supposed to show terms and conditions after signing up but skips to the
home page, this is incorrect behavior. Proper testing can catch such issues early.
6. Efficiency
Efficiency is how quickly and smoothly the software performs tasks. It also involves optimizing
resource usage.
Example: If a video editing app freezes your computer, it shows poor efficiency. Efficient software
avoids such issues.
7. Security
Security protects the software and its data from unauthorized access or attacks. Key aspects include:
• Authentication (verifying users)
• Authorization (controlling access)
• Encryption (protecting data)
Example: An API without proper security measures can be exposed to hackers. Adding secure
tokens like JWT prevents unauthorized access.
8. Testability
Testability measures how easy it is to test the software. Good testability makes it simpler to find
bugs and automate testing.
Example: Adding unique IDs to web elements makes automation testing easier, ensuring faster bug
detection.
9. Flexibility
Flexibility shows how quickly the software adapts to changes in technology or requirements.
Example: If your software relies on a library that is discontinued, it should be easy to switch to
another library without major redesigns.
10. Scalability
Scalability means the software can handle increased demands without slowing down or crashing.
Example: During a Black Friday sale, a scalable e-commerce site will handle extra traffic by adding
server capacity automatically.
11. Compatibility
Compatibility ensures the software works well across different platforms, browsers, and devices.
Example: A website working on Chrome but not on Firefox indicates a compatibility issue, which
testing tools can identify early.
12. Supportability
Supportability is about how easily issues can be identified and fixed. Logging and monitoring are
crucial here.
Example: If only some users face problems with a profile page, logs help identify what’s causing
the issue.
13. Reusability
Reusability means using components of the software in other projects, saving time and resources.
Example: A reusable sign-up form can be used in multiple applications instead of creating it from
scratch each time.
14. Interoperability
Interoperability refers to how well the software communicates with other systems or platforms.
Example: If your app struggles to integrate with a payment gateway, it might be due to poorly
designed communication standards.
Conclusion
These attributes ensure software is not only functional but also user-friendly, reliable, and
adaptable. By considering all these aspects, developers can create software that stands the test of
time and meets user expectations.