What are functional and non functional parts of an application?

Question

I was asked this question in an interview.

What are functional and non functional parts of an application ?

Non-functional are not actually *parts* but more like *aspects* or *characteristics*. — Igor Zevaka, Aug 16 '10 at 12:17
You could argue that the non-functional parts of the application are the bits that are broken — the ones that don't work. However, non-functional requirements are slightly different. — Jonathan Leffler, Dec 21 '14 at 18:10

Oded · Accepted Answer · 2010-08-16T12:18:54.293

12

Functional parts are those that relate to the function of the application - what it does.

Non functional are the parts that do not directly relate to the function - things like:

For example, in a calculator application, the functional parts are how the input and output work and the calculation logic/operation itself.

Non functional would be the usability, quality, performance and other aspects that do not have direct bearing on the calculator operations.

edited Aug 16 '10 at 12:18

answered Aug 16 '10 at 12:13

Oded

1

I would add maintainability, availability and extensibility to this. – Daniel Dyson Aug 16 '10 at 12:15

mikej · Answer 2 · 2010-08-16T14:06:48.430

3

Functional relates to the features of the application. i.e. what it does. The non-functional parts are characteristics like:

edited Aug 16 '10 at 14:06

answered Aug 16 '10 at 12:15

mikej

2 Answers2