Reusability
Reusability is the degree to which a software asset can be used in multiple systems or contexts with little or no modification.
“The degree to which a work product can be used in more than one system, or in building other work products.”
(Definition reproduced from the ISTQB Glossary. Copyright belongs to ISTQB.)
View the complete ISTQB GlossaryWhat is Reusability?
Reusable components reduce development effort, improve consistency, and simplify maintenance by allowing the same assets to be used repeatedly.
Component reuse: Modules, code, and tests can be shared.
Efficiency: Reuse reduces duplicate effort.
Maintainability: Shared assets simplify updates.
Real World Example
A government benefits portal is adding an online application form used by people with different devices, abilities, and assistive technologies.
The feature can pass functional tests while still blocking users who rely on keyboard navigation, screen readers, captions, or sufficient color contrast. Reusability keeps that risk visible.
The tester checks the application path with assistive technology expectations in mind, including labels, focus order, error messages, and completion without a mouse.
The team releases a service that more citizens can actually use because Reusability is treated as a product quality concern, not a cosmetic review.
Practice Questions
Question 1
Which statement BEST describes Reusability in the context of ISTQB terminology?
Question 2
A tester needs to explain Reusability to a non‑technical stakeholder. Which approach is MOST appropriate?
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