SRS Documents: Requirements and Diagrammatic Notations

University of Colorado System via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/srs-documents-requirements

Introduction

### Course Review and Recommendation: SRS Documents: Requirements and Diagrammatic Notations In the realm of software development, the process of gathering and documenting requirements is crucial in ensuring that a project meets its objectives. For anyone looking to sharpen their skills in this area, the Coursera course titled **"SRS Documents: Requirements and Diagrammatic Notations"** offers a comprehensive curriculum that dives deep into the art of writing Software Requirements Specifications (SRS) and mastering various diagrammatic notations. #### Course Overview This course meticulously guides learners through the process of transforming gathered requirements into a structured document that's both readable and informative for customers and developers alike. You’ll learn how to convey overall ideas, the project's scope, necessary resources, expectations, and the reasoning behind design choices made. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Beginning to Write an SRS Document** - The initiation of writing an SRS can be intimidating. This module arms you with essential guidelines—local and global rules that are pivotal to ensuring clarity and effectiveness in your documentation. You will develop the mindset needed to start the requisites gathering and documentation early in the project lifecycle. 2. **Beginning Diagramming** - This section emphasizes storytelling through visual aids. It explores how “pictures” (diagrams) enhance understanding for all stakeholders involved. You’ll learn to create high-level system-scope diagrams that narrate the essence of the requirements effectively. 3. **Lower-Level Diagramming** - Moving into more intricate detail, this module covers various types of diagrams such as Entity Relationship Diagrams (ERDs), Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs), and Structured Analysis and Design Technique (SADT) diagrams. Each of these plays a vital role in elucidating the relationships and data flows within a system, making it invaluable for clear communication among your team. 4. **Tracing Events** - In this segment, you will explore the interrelationships between system-level and lower-level diagrams while also focusing on event tracing diagrams. Understanding how these diagrams interact is essential for depicting system behavior and interactions thoroughly. 5. **Combining and Confirming Diagram Consistency and Completeness** - The final module highlights the necessity of interlinking your diagrams with textual explanations within the SRS. You’ll learn about the significance of maintaining consistency across diagrams, which aids in comprehensive analysis and storytelling. This segment also touches upon more formal requirements writing techniques, particularly for mission and safety-critical systems. #### Why You Should Take This Course * **Practical Skills:** The course is designed to not only provide theoretical knowledge but also to engage students in practical applications. The hands-on approach enables you to generate actual SRS documents and diagrams, which you can reference in your future projects. * **Expert Guidance:** Led by knowledgeable instructors, learners are guided through complex concepts, ensuring each participant grasps the essentials of requirements gathering and diagrammatic representation. * **Industry-Relevant Content:** The skills acquired in this course are in high demand across various sectors in the tech industry. Being proficient in documenting SRS and creating relevant diagrams allows for smoother project execution and better team collaboration. * **Versatile Learning Format:** With accessible lessons, quizzes, and project work, the course accommodates different learning styles and paces, making it suitable for both beginners and those looking to advance their skills. #### Conclusion In conclusion, **"SRS Documents: Requirements and Diagrammatic Notations"** on Coursera is an essential course for anyone involved in software development, project management, or system design. If you desire to enhance your documentation skills and learn how to effectively communicate complex requirements, I highly recommend enrolling in this course. The blend of writing, diagramming, and practical application provides a well-rounded educational experience that will serve you well in any project context.

Syllabus

Beginning to Write an SRS Document

Beginning to write a Software Requirements Specification (SRS) is a daunting process. As you start elicitation and move onward through the requirements cycle, you should plan your approach and begin writing as soon as possible. In this module, we discuss local and global rules that should be followed to lead to success.

Beginning Diagramming

Within a requirements document, you should tell a story. Pictures help in stories! In this lesson, we'll look into some of the "pictures" that you can create to clarify understanding for all readers and to help yourself know that all points are being covered clearly and completely. Specifically, we'll consider high, system-scope diagrams.

Lower-Level Diagramming

At a lower level, Entity Relationship Diagrams, Data Flow Diagrams, and SADT diagrams can be used. All three sets of diagrams work together to explain lower-level relationships and dataflow for components in the system-to-be. In this lesson, we'll discuss what these diagrams look like and what information should be included in such diagrams.

Tracing Events

System level diagram and low level diagrams work together. Each low level diagram also relates to other low level diagrams. In addition to these diagrams, we also have diagrams to explain events.

Combining and Confirming Diagram Consistency and Completeness

All diagrams created for a SRS document must link together, in addition to being linked to and explained in the text. In this lesson, we consider inter-view relationships between diagrams and how the combination of multiple diagrams assists in analysis of our system view and explanation. We also talk briefly about a more formal format of requirements writing for mission critical and safety critical systems. Lastly, we discuss using diagrams to correspond with text in the SRS document- remember: you're telling a story!