Definition
Traceability is the ability to track the history, application, and location of an item or system component through its lifecycle. It involves establishing and maintaining clear links between requirements, design elements, code, test cases, and deployed systems. This interconnectedness allows for impact analysis, verification, and validation of changes or issues. For instance, a software requirement can be traced through its design, implementation, and testing phases to ensure it was fully met. Traceability differs from simple documentation by requiring explicit, verifiable connections between artifacts. This concept is fundamental in domains like cybersecurity and project management, appearing on exams such as Security+ and PMP.