Feature request
Feature request (from English feature = property, ability, function; request = request, request, request; also performance feature request) or improvement suggestion describes the request toadd a new function toa software orto changethe existing functionality .
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A distinction is a feature request from a request for troubleshooting, called bug report or English bug report . The desired features are new and therefore not to be classified as a deviation from the promised properties.
However, the boundaries between feature and error ( program error , bug ) are often unclear , namely when, in the case of "unexpected behavior" of the software, it is discussed whether the behavior is incorrect or intentional: It's not a bug, it's a feature (free Translated into German: "It is not a mistake, but a feature." ) is a common expression in this situation.
The use of a requirements management can provide clarity . If desired performance features are described as a requirement, then the non-fulfillment of a requirement is a software error . If, on the other hand, an expected behavior is not described in the requirements, then according to the rules of quality management this must not be described as a " fault ", but as a " defect ". The same applies if the requirements describe behavior that restricts the software's suitability for its intended use.
A so-called bug tracker is often used in software projects , with which feature requests can be received, managed and tracked in a structured manner.
In requirements management, a distinction is often made between desirable ( nice to have ) and necessary ( must have ) features.