Software Engineering Terms - F

FEASIBILITY STUDY

A process that determines whether the solution under analysis is achievable, given the

organization's resources and constraints.

FIELD

Synonym for a data element that contains a specific attribute's value; a single item of

information in a record or row.

FOCUS

The application object to which the user-generated input (usually keyboard and mouse) is

directed.

FOREIGN KEY

A field or set of fields in a table whose value must match a primary key in another table

when joined with it. Also see primary key and join.

FORM

A screen formatted to facilitate data entry and review. Utilizes data entry fields, option

selection tools, and control objects such as buttons and menu items.

FUNCTIONAL AREA

Any formally organized group focused on the development, execution, and maintenance

of business processes in support of a defined business function.

FUNCTIONAL DESIGN STAGE

That stage of the software development lifecycle that focuses on the development and

validation of designs for architecture, software components, data and interfaces. Often

combined with the system design stage into a single stage for smaller applications.

FUNCTIONAL ELEMENT

A definition that specifies the actions that a software component, product, or system must

be able to perform.

FUNCTIONAL TESTING

Also known as end-user testing. Testing that focuses on the outputs generated in

response to selected inputs and execution conditions.

FUNCTION POINT ANALYSIS

A software measurement process that focuses on the number of inputs, outputs, queries,

tables, and external interfaces used in an application. Used for software estimation and

assessment of developer productivity.