What are non-functional requirements?

Non-functional requirements are essential components of system requirements that focus on how a system performs its functions, rather than what functions it performs. These requirements address criteria that define the operation or attributes of a system, including aspects such as performance, usability, reliability, and security. For instance, performance non-functional requirements might specify how fast a system should process data, while usability requirements could define how easy the system should be for users to navigate.

In contrast, the other choices focus on different aspects of systems and project management. The option concerning test cases pertains specifically to evaluating the functionality of the system rather than its operational characteristics. The mention of stakeholders highlights the human resources involved in a project, which is distinct from the technical and operational focus of non-functional requirements. Lastly, software license agreements involve legal and compliance specifications, which are unrelated to the functioning or quality attributes of the system itself.