Non-Functional Requirement: How well the system should work — speed, security, reliability, usability and similar qualities.
Example
"The search page should load within 2 seconds" is a non-functional requirement.
Why Non-Functional Requirement matters for IT interns
Code that works but is slow or insecure can still fail. Beginners often forget these requirements.
Where you will hear it
You will hear this term in development teams, in code reviews and technical discussions, and in technical interviews. If someone uses it and you are not sure what they mean in your project, it is completely fine to ask; every team uses terms a little differently.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Non-Functional Requirement?
How well the system should work — speed, security, reliability, usability and similar qualities.
What is an example of Non-Functional Requirement?
"The search page should load within 2 seconds" is a non-functional requirement.
Why does Non-Functional Requirement matter for IT interns?
Code that works but is slow or insecure can still fail. Beginners often forget these requirements.
Explore more internship terms
The IT Internship Glossary explains 199 terms you will hear before and during your internship, with simple definitions and real examples.
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About the author
Dhaivat has 16+ years of experience in the IT industry, working on AI and cloud technologies, project delivery, and engineering leadership. He has interviewed and mentored many interns, wrote The Lost Intern, and runs the non-commercial Career Impact Initiative, mentoring students for free.