Software Requirements

Specification
for

Online Bookstore

Version 1.0 approved

Prepared by Shivram Harshavardhana

Vellore Institute of Technology

04.08.2024
Software Requirements Specification for Online Bookstore Page ii

Table of Contents
Table of Contents....................................................................................................................... ii
Revision History......................................................................................................................... ii
1. Introduction.......................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Purpose...................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Document Conventions..............................................................................................................1
1.3 Intended Audience and Reading Suggestions..............................................................................1
1.4 Product Scope............................................................................................................................1
1.5 References..................................................................................................................................2
2. Overall Description.............................................................................................................. 2
2.1 Product Perspective....................................................................................................................2
2.2 Product Functions.......................................................................................................................2
2.3 User Classes and Characteristics.................................................................................................2
2.4 Operating Environment...............................................................................................................3
2.5 Design and Implementation Constraints......................................................................................3
2.6 User Documentation...................................................................................................................3
2.7 Assumptions and Dependencies..................................................................................................4
3. External Interface Requirements........................................................................................ 4
3.1 User Interfaces............................................................................................................................4
3.2 Hardware Interfaces....................................................................................................................4
3.3 Software Interfaces.....................................................................................................................5
3.4 Communications Interfaces.........................................................................................................5
4. System Features................................................................................................................... 6
4.1 System Feature 1........................................................................................................................6
4.2 System Feature 2 (and so on)......................................................................................................7
5. Other Nonfunctional Requirements.................................................................................... 8
5.1 Performance Requirements.........................................................................................................8
5.2 Safety Requirements...................................................................................................................8
5.3 Security Requirements................................................................................................................8
5.4 Software Quality Attributes........................................................................................................8
5.5 Business Rules...........................................................................................................................9

Revision History
Name Date Reason For Changes Version
Software Requirements Specification for Online Bookstore Page 1

1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this document is to specify the software requirements for the Online Book Store.
This system aims to provide a seamless online platform for users to search, browse, and
purchase books. Additionally, it facilitates user registration and efficient management of book
categories. The SRS outlines the functional and non-functional requirements necessary for the
successful development and deployment of the online bookstore.

1.2 Document Conventions

In this SRS:
Priority Levels: Each requirement statement will have its own priority (e.g., high, medium, low).
Formatting: We follow standard font conventions (e.g., Arial, 12pt) for readability.
Assumptions: Higher-level requirements' priorities are assumed to be inherited by detailed
requirements.

1.3 Intended Audience and Reading Suggestions

This document is intended for various stakeholders:
Developers: To understand the technical requirements and design considerations.
Project Managers: To track progress and align development efforts.
Marketing Staff: To grasp the system's features and benefits.
Users: To gain insights into the functionality they can expect.
Testers: To verify compliance with specified requirements.
Documentation Writers: To create user manuals and guides.

For an effective reading experience, follow this sequence:

1. Overview: Understand the high-level goals and scope.
2. Functional Requirements: Explore specific features and interactions.
3. Non-Functional Requirements: Learn about performance, security, and usability aspects.
4. System Architecture: Dive into technical details.
5. Use Cases: See how users interact with the system.

1.4 Product Scope

The Online Book Store is a web-based application that allows users to:
- Search for books based on various criteria (title, author, genre).
- Browse through book listings, view details, and read reviews.
- Add books to their shopping cart and proceed to checkout.
- Register as users to personalize their experience.
- Manage book categories (admin functionality).

The system's goals include:

- Providing a user-friendly interface for book discovery and purchase.
- Enhancing the overall reading experience for customers.
Software Requirements Specification for Online Bookstore Page 2

- Supporting efficient inventory management for administrators.

1.5 References
<List any other documents or Web addresses to which this SRS refers. These may include user
interface style guides, contracts, standards, system requirements specifications, use case
documents, or a vision and scope document. Provide enough information so that the reader could
access a copy of each reference, including title, author, version number, date, and source or
location.>

2. Overall Description

2.1 Product Perspective

The Online Book Store is a self-contained product designed to provide an intuitive and efficient
platform for users to discover, purchase, and manage books. It operates independently but may
integrate with external systems for payment processing and book inventory management. While it
stands alone, it complements existing bookstores and digital libraries.

System Context:
 The Online Book Store interacts with users, payment gateways, and book suppliers.

 Interfaces include APIs for payment processing and inventory updates.

2.2 Product Functions

The major functions of the Online Book Store include:

 Search: Users can search for books based on title, author, genre, or keywords.

 Browse: Users can explore book listings, view cover images, read summaries, and check
ratings.

 Purchase: Users can add books to their shopping cart, proceed to checkout, and make
secure payments.

 User Registration: New users can create accounts, manage profiles, and track order
history.

 Category Management (Admin): Administrators can add, edit, or remove book categories.

2.3 User Classes and Characteristics

The following user classes are anticipated:

1. Casual Readers:

 Use the system occasionally.

Software Requirements Specification for Online Bookstore Page 3

 May lack technical expertise.

 Prioritize ease of use and book recommendations.

2. Avid Readers:

 Frequent users.

 Seek personalized recommendations.

 Value efficient browsing and quick checkout.

3. Administrators:

 Manage book categories.

 Monitor system health.

 Require administrative privileges.

2.4 Operating Environment

The Online Book Store will operate in the following environment:

 Hardware Platform: Web servers with sufficient processing power and memory.

 Operating System: Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux.

 Software Components: Web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge), database servers

(MySQL, PostgreSQL), and web frameworks (Django, Ruby on Rails).

2.5 Design and Implementation Constraints

Constraints include:

 Corporate Policies: Adherence to privacy regulations (GDPR, CCPA).

 Hardware Limitations: Optimal performance on low-end devices.

 Interfaces: Integration with payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal).

 Security Considerations: Encryption, authentication, and authorization.

2.6 User Documentation

User documentation components:

 User Manuals: Detailed guides for using the system.

Software Requirements Specification for Online Bookstore Page 4

 Online Help: Contextual assistance within the application.

 Tutorials: Step-by-step instructions for common tasks.

2.7 Assumptions and Dependencies

Assumptions:

 Third-party APIs (payment gateways) are available.

 Users have basic internet connectivity.

Dependencies:

 Relies on external payment processors.

 Database management system (DBMS) availability.

3. External Interface Requirements

3.1 User Interfaces

The user interfaces play a crucial role in ensuring a positive user experience. Here are the key
aspects related to user interfaces:

 Logical Characteristics:

o The user interface should follow modern design principles, emphasizing simplicity
and clarity.

o Standard buttons (e.g., “Search,” “Add to Cart,” “Checkout”) should be consistent

across screens.

o Error messages should be informative and user-friendly.

 Keyboard Shortcuts:

o TBD (To be defined during implementation).

3.2 Hardware Interfaces

The software product interacts with the following hardware components:

 Supported Device Types:

o Desktop computers (Windows, macOS, Linux)

o Tablets and smartphones (iOS, Android)

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 Data and Control Interactions:

o The software communicates with input devices (keyboard, mouse, touchscreens)

for user interactions.

o It relies on display devices (monitors, screens) for rendering the user interface.

3.3 Software Interfaces

The Online Book Store integrates with the following software components:

 Databases:

o MySQL (for book data storage)

o Redis (for caching)

 Operating Systems:

o Windows, macOS, Linux

 Web Frameworks:

o Django (backend)

o React (frontend)

 APIs:

o Payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal)

o Book suppliers’ APIs (for real-time inventory updates)

3.4 Communications Interfaces

The software requires the following communication functions:
 HTTP/HTTPS:

o For web communication (e.g., retrieving book details, processing orders)

o Data transfer rates: High-speed broadband

o Security: HTTPS with TLS encryption

Software Requirements Specification for Online Bookstore Page 6

4. System Features
This template illustrates organizing the functional requirements for the product by system features,
the major services provided by the product. You may prefer to organize this section by use case,
mode of operation, user class, object class, functional hierarchy, or combinations of these, whatever
makes the most logical sense for your product.

4.1 Search and Book Discovery

1. Feature: Book Search

I. Description and Priority

Users can search for books based on title, author, genre, or keywords. This feature is
of high priority.

II. Stimulus/Response Sequence

 User enters search criteria (e.g., book title).

 System retrieves matching books from the database.

 System displays search results.

III. Functional Requirements

 The system shall provide a search input field on the home page.

 Users can enter search terms (e.g., “Harry Potter,” “Science Fiction”).

 The system shall execute the search query against book titles, authors, and
genres.

 Search results shall display book thumbnails, titles, and relevant details.
 Pagination or infinite scrolling shall be implemented for long result lists.

 Error handling: Display a friendly message if no results are found

2. Feature: Book Details View

I. Description and Priority

Users can view detailed information about a specific book.

II. Stimulus/Response Sequence

 User clicks on a book from search results or book listings.

 System retrieves book details.

Software Requirements Specification for Online Bookstore Page 7

 System displays book cover, summary, author, and reviews.

III. Functional Requirements

 The system shall provide a dedicated book details page.

 Book details shall include cover image, title, author, genre, summary, and user
reviews.

 Users can rate and write reviews for books.

 Error handling: Display an appropriate message if book details are unavailable

4.2 Shopping and Checkout

1. Feature: Shopping Cart

I. Description and Priority

Users can add books to their shopping cart and manage their selections.

II. Stimulus/Response Sequences

 User clicks “Add to Cart” for a book.

 System adds the book to the cart.

 User views the cart and adjusts quantities.

III. Functional Requirements

 The system shall maintain a user-specific shopping cart.

 Users can add or remove books from the cart.

 Cart contents shall persist across sessions.

 Users can view the total price of items in the cart.

 Error handling: Notify users if the cart is empty.

2. Feature: Checkout and Payment

I. Description and Priority

Users can proceed to checkout and make secure payments.

II. Stimulus/Response Sequences

 User clicks “Checkout.”

Software Requirements Specification for Online Bookstore Page 8

 System prompts for shipping details and payment method.

 User provides necessary information.

 System processes payment.

III. Functional Requirements

 The system shall collect shipping address and payment details.

 Integration with payment gateways (e.g., Stripe, PayPal) for secure transactions.

 Confirmation email sent to the user after successful payment.

 Error handling: Handle payment failures gracefully.

5. Other Nonfunctional Requirements

5.1 Performance Requirements

 The system shall load search results within 2 seconds.

 Book details pages shall render in under 3 seconds.

 Concurrent user support: At least 500 users simultaneously.

5.2 Safety Requirements

 User data (e.g., payment information) must be securely handled and encrypted.

 Prevent accidental deletion of user accounts or orders.

5.3 Security Requirements

 User authentication: Implement secure login and session management.

 Protect against SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks.

 Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments.

5.4 Software Quality Attributes

 Usability: Intuitive navigation and clear error messages.

 Maintainability: Well-structured code and documentation.

 Availability: Target uptime of 99.9%.

Software Requirements Specification for Online Bookstore Page 9

5.5 Business Rules

 Only registered users can write reviews.

 Admins can manage book categories.