What is a characteristic of a high-quality software system?

A characteristic of a high-quality software system is reliability and user satisfaction. High-quality software is designed to perform its intended functions accurately and consistently, minimizing errors and downtime. Reliability ensures that users can depend on the software for their needs without experiencing failures that could disrupt their work.

User satisfaction is equally important; when software meets or exceeds user expectations in terms of performance, usability, and responsiveness, it fosters a positive user experience. A reliable system that users find satisfactory is more likely to be adopted widely, making it an essential benchmark for evaluating software quality.

Other aspects, such as code complexity and development costs, can often be associated with quality but do not inherently define it. Frequent updates can indicate ongoing maintenance and improvements but are not indicative of initial quality, as they might arise from poor design or issues needing constant fixes. Thus, focusing on reliability and user satisfaction truly encapsulates the essence of high-quality software systems.