What do functional requirements describe?

Functional requirements specifically describe what a product or service should do, outlining the capabilities and functions that must be present for the product to meet user needs and fulfill its purpose. These requirements focus on the expected behavior and features that the end solution must deliver.

For example, in software development, functional requirements may specify actions such as user authentication, processing transactions, or generating reports. By clearly defining what needs to be accomplished, these requirements guide the development team on how to shape the features and functionalities of the end product to address stakeholders' expectations effectively.

Understanding functional requirements is fundamental in ensuring that the final deliverable aligns with business needs and user expectations, thereby facilitating successful project outcomes.