What Are Functional and Non-Functional Requirements in Software Engineering?
In software engineering, every application has functional and non-functional requirements. Both define how the system should behave and perform, and BaseRock AI helps QA teams validate both automatically.
Functional Requirements (with Examples)
Functional requirements describe what the system should do.
Example: “The login page must allow users to sign in using an email and password.”
Example: “The checkout system should process payments via credit card, UPI, and PayPal.”
BaseRock automatically generates and maintains tests that validate such requirements without writing manual test scripts.
Non-Functional Requirements (with Examples)
Non-functional requirements specify how the system should perform.
Example: “The login page should load within 2 seconds.”
Example: “The system should support up to 10,000 concurrent users without downtime.”
BaseRock enables QA teams to measure these performance, security, and usability aspects by combining functional and non-functional testing automation.
What is Functional Testing in Software Testing?
Functional testing validates whether the application meets functional requirements. It checks what the system does — inputs, outputs, and business logic.
With BaseRock AI, QA teams don’t need to manually write test scripts. The platform analyzes your codebase, generates functional test cases, and keeps them updated automatically when your app changes.
Functional Testing Examples
Testing the login feature with valid and invalid credentials.
Verifying shopping cart updates when items are added or removed.
Checking that emails are triggered after user registration.
Top Functional Testing Tools
Selenium – Automation for web applications.
Cypress – JavaScript testing framework for automated tests.
Postman – One of the famous tools to perform API functional testing manually.
BaseRock AI – AI-powered functional test automation that reduces manual effort.
What is Non-Functional Testing?
Non-functional testing validates how well a system performs beyond its features. It focuses on performance, usability, reliability, and security.
BaseRock AI integrates non-functional checks into its testing workflow, so you don’t need separate frameworks for functional vs. non-functional testing.
Non-Functional Testing Types Explained
Performance Testing – Load, response time, scalability.
Security Testing – Protects against vulnerabilities.
Usability Testing – Ensures ease of use.
Compatibility Testing – Cross-browser and cross-device validation.
Non-Functional Testing Examples
Checking if an app loads within 3 seconds on 3G networks.
Verifying 1,000 concurrent users can log in without failure.
Testing if an app meets WCAG accessibility standards.
Top Non-Functional Testing Tools
JMeter – Performance testing.
LoadRunner – Load testing.
OWASP ZAP – Security testing.
Difference Between Functional and Non-Functional Testing With Example
Here’s a quick comparison:
BaseRock AI unifies both testing approaches in a single platform, helping teams validate “what” and “how” without juggling multiple tools.
Functional and Non-Functional Testing Examples in Real-World Applications
E-commerce with BaseRock AI:
Functional – Add to cart, checkout workflows.
Non-functional – Ensure the site can handle traffic spikes on sale days.
Banking Apps tested on BaseRock:
Functional – Secure money transfer between accounts.
Non-functional – Ensure 99.9% uptime with safe transactions.
Streaming Platforms using BaseRock AI:
Functional – Play, pause, rewind features.
Non-functional – Seamless streaming even on low bandwidth.
Why Both Functional and Non-Functional Testing Are Critical for Quality Assurance
Skipping one type of testing risks product failure:
Without functional testing, features may break.
Without non-functional testing, users abandon apps due to slowness, crashes, or security flaws.
BaseRock AI combines both testing types, ensuring complete coverage across CI/CD pipelines. QA teams gain:
Smarter coverage – AI ensures no critical path is missed.
Zero maintenance – Tests self-update with code changes.
Faster feedback loops – Both functional and non-functional tests run automatically in development workflows.
Summary: Choosing the Right Balance of Functional and Non-Functional Testing
In software engineering, functional and non-functional testing are not optional — they’re complementary. With BaseRock AI, you don’t need to choose. The platform automates both, ensuring high-quality releases with less effort.
Ready to Automate Functional and Non-Functional Testing?
With BaseRock AI, you can:
Eliminate manual test debt.
Automate functional and non-functional testing in one platform.
Boost test coverage and reduce QA costs — without writing a single line of test code.
Q1. What is an example of functional and non-functional testing?
Functional: Login works with correct credentials.
Non-functional: Login completes within 2 seconds.
Q2. What is an example of a functional test?
Resetting a password via email verification.
Q3. What are the key differences between functional and non-functional requirements?
Functional requirements define what the system should do.
Non-functional requirements define how it should perform.
Q4. How does BaseRock AI help with functional testing?
AI automates functional testing by generating, executing, and maintaining tests without manual scripting. It ensures continuous coverage throughout the SDLC.
UI / End to End Testing
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