I am currently reading the excellent book “Managing Software Debt – Building for Inevitable Change” written by Chris Sterling. The book deals with the debt that created at every stage of software development. In its introduction, the book offers an interesting list of the software quality attributes. Even if the author does not claim for completeness, this list is a very good starting point for your software improvement initiatives. Here is the list of software quality attributes proposed by Chris Sterling:
* Suitability: Functionality is suitable to all end users.
* Interoperability: Functionality interoperates with other software easily.
* Compliance: Functionality is compliant with applicable regulatory guidelines.
* Security: The application is secure: confidentiality, integrity, availability, accountability, and assurance.
* Maturity: Software components are proven to be stable by others.
* Fault tolerance: The software continues operating properly in the event of failure by one or more of its components.
* Recoverability: The software recovers from failures in the surrounding environment.
* Understandability: People are able to use the software with little training.
* Learnability: Functionality is learned with little external interfacing.
* Operability: The software is kept in a functioning and operating condition.
* Performance: Perceived response is immediate.
* Scalability: The software is able to handle increased usage with the appropriate amount of resources.
* Analyzability: It is easy to figure out how the software functions.
* Changeability: Software components can be changed to meet new business needs.
* Testability: Repeatable and specific tests of the software can be created and there is potential for some to be automated.
* Adaptability: Software component functionality can be changed quickly.
* Installability: Installation and reinstallation are easy.
* Conformance: The software conforms to industry and operational standards.
* Replaceability: The software is replaceable in the future.
Source: ” Managing Software Debt – Building for Inevitable Change “, of Chris Sterling, Addison-Wesley, 228 pages, ISBN 978-0-321-55413-0