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What does "specification" mean in programming?

specification is one of the most common terms in software development. This guide explains what it means, how it is used in practice, and why it matters, with real examples from the developer world.

Definition

A detailed, formal description of how a system, feature, or protocol should behave. Specifications define inputs, outputs, constraints, and edge cases. API specifications (like OpenAPI) can generate documentation and client code automatically.

Example

"Write a specification for the new feature before starting implementation."

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