How do functional requirements differ from non-functional requirements?

Functional requirements and non-functional requirements serve distinct purposes in the context of system development and business analysis. The correct choice highlights that functional requirements are centered around the specific behavior of the system—what the system should do, including tasks, processes, and interactions that the software must perform. These can include user interactions, data manipulation, and business rules that the system must adhere to.

On the other hand, non-functional requirements define the quality attributes, system performance metrics, and operational aspects that are essential for system functionality but do not directly relate to specific behaviors. These criteria can include usability, reliability, performance efficiency, and security, among others. They focus on how the system performs its functions rather than what functions it performs.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for developing robust systems that meet both the functional needs of users and the performance expectations set by stakeholders.