Vertical Traceability
Vertical traceability is a software development practice that involves tracking the relationships between requirements, design, code, and test cases throughout the development process. It enables teams to understand how changes in one area of the software affect other areas, ensuring that all requirements are met and that the software is of high quality.
Vertical traceability involves creating links between different artifacts, such as requirements documents, design specifications, code modules, and test cases. These links allow teams to trace the development process from the initial requirements to the final product, ensuring that each requirement is fulfilled and that the software is tested thoroughly.
Vertical traceability helps teams to identify and manage risks throughout the development process. By tracking the relationships between different artifacts, teams can identify potential issues early on and take steps to mitigate them. This reduces the likelihood of defects and ensures that the software meets the needs of the end-users.
Vertical traceability also helps teams to comply with regulatory and compliance requirements. Many industries, such as healthcare and finance, have strict regulations that require software development teams to demonstrate traceability and accountability. Vertical traceability provides a clear and auditable record of the development process, ensuring that teams can demonstrate compliance with these regulations.
In summary, vertical traceability is a critical software development practice that enables teams to track the relationships between different artifacts throughout the development process. It helps to ensure that all requirements are met, that the software is of high quality, and that regulatory and compliance requirements are met. By implementing vertical traceability, software development teams can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their development process, reducing the likelihood of defects and ensuring that the end-users receive a high-quality product.