Requirements Engineering

Definition ∞ Requirements engineering is the systematic process of discovering, documenting, and managing the needs and constraints for a system. It involves eliciting stakeholder expectations and translating them into precise specifications that guide the design and development of software or hardware. This discipline ensures that the final product accurately addresses the intended purpose and user needs.
Context ∞ For blockchain protocols and decentralized applications, requirements engineering is paramount for defining security parameters, transaction throughput, consensus rules, and user interface functionalities. News coverage might discuss debates around specific protocol upgrades that necessitate a re-evaluation of requirements or highlight how rigorous requirements engineering helped prevent vulnerabilities in a new smart contract deployment. A clear understanding of these requirements is essential for assessing a project’s technical roadmap and potential for success.