From: Capps, Brent (bcapps@sharplabs.com)
Date: Wed Jun 02 1999 - 11:14:36 EST
> Meanwhile, should our specs be written in present tense
> (example: the system
> calculates sales tax) or future tense (example: the system
> SHALL (or WILL)
> calculate sales tax)?
Whenever possible, I try to follow the usage from the IEEE Standards Style
Manual, which says:
"Shall" indicates mandatory requirements to be followed in order to conform
to the specification and from which no deviation is permitted.
"Should" indicates that, among several possibilities, one is recommended as
particularly suitable, without mentioning or excluding others; or that a
certain course of action is preferred but not necessary required; or that
(in the negative form) a certain course of action is depreciated but not
prohibited.
"May" indicates a course of action permissible within the limits of the
specification.
"Can" indicates possiblity and capability, whether material, causal, or
physical.
=======================================
Brent Capps
System Engineering Process Group Leader
Sharp Labs of America
5750 NW Pacific Rim Blvd.
Camas, WA 98607
(360) 817-8542 Phone
(360) 817-8436 Fax
=======================================
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