What is the main difference between a requirement and a specification?

The distinction between a requirement and a specification is crucial in the context of project development. Requirements articulate what the application or system should achieve—essentially, they define the needs and expectations of the stakeholders. They provide a high-level understanding of the goals that must be met, effectively answering the question "What do we need?"

On the other hand, specifications delve into the details of how those requirements will be fulfilled in practice. They provide a more thorough blueprint, outlining the specific functionality, features, and performance standards the application must meet. In this sense, specifications serve as a guide for developers and engineers, detailing the design and implementation details necessary to achieve the requirements.

This clear differentiation is essential for successful project execution, as it ensures that both the “what” (requirements) and the “how” (specifications) are addressed systematically, allowing for a structured approach to development and ensuring stakeholder satisfaction.