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Glossary

Beta (Release)

November 21, 2023 - Around 4 mins mins to read

Understanding Beta (Release)

Beta (Release) is a term used in the field of computer science to describe the second stage of the software development cycle, which follows the alpha stage. During this phase, the software’s key functional requirements are operational, and tests are conducted to evaluate its effectiveness, accessibility, and security. The beta stage involves allowing testers who are not part of the development team or organization to access the software and identify any existing bugs. This unbiased review helps in fixing the identified bugs within a specific timeframe.

User acceptance testing, which occurs during the beta stage, involves actual users testing the software in a real environment. This testing serves as the final check before the product is released to customers. One significant advantage of this stage is the direct input received from clients.

To facilitate these evaluations, the software is made accessible to developers and potential consumers, which is known as a beta release. The individuals who participate in this process are referred to as beta testers. Beta versions of software undergo internal alpha testing and are usually very similar to the final product in terms of appearance, feel, and functionality. Therefore, it is common for design modifications to occur between the two versions.

Closed (or private) beta testing involves a smaller number of testers. This method is suitable for testing software that requires input from a specific demographic or cannot be tested on a larger scale due to scaling constraints. On the other hand, open beta testing typically involves a large number of users, many of whom are potential customers. In this case, it can be seen as a marketing technique aimed at showcasing the product to the target audience.

Beta testing is crucial in software development because developers can become too attached to their own software, making it difficult for them to identify issues. Fresh eyes are needed to spot any problems. While there are no specific guidelines for setting up the evaluation process or determining its content, it is important to link the procedure to a strict set of goals. There are a few conditions that a product must meet to be eligible for beta testing:

  • The product must include all the necessary features planned for the final version.
  • The end product must be stable, with test participants not experiencing unexpected crashes.
  • The test participants should represent the target audience of the product.
  • The assessment should require participants to perform real-world tasks using the app in real-world contexts, rather than in lab environments.

A small number of end-users are given the beta version of the software to provide feedback on its quality. This helps reduce the risk of product failure and improves its overall quality by allowing customers to validate it.

Beta testers, especially volunteers, are usually motivated by a desire to learn more about a new product. This phase primarily focuses on usability, with testers reporting issues and providing comments. They may also suggest additional features and functions, although this is more common in the early stages.

As a result, the beta stage allows developers to make necessary changes and address issues before proceeding to the next step, which is the release. When beta software is close to completion and no further issues or defects arise, it is referred to as a “release candidate.” If everything goes smoothly, the software can then be released as a “stable release.”

The same process applies to any new cryptocurrency scheduled for release in the market. Before being listed on major exchanges, it undergoes thorough testing by software developers, both internally and externally. This ensures that the cryptocurrency’s blockchain architecture remains stable even when there is a surge in user trading activity.

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Author

Coincu

Glossary

Beta (Release)

Understanding Beta (Release)

Beta (Release) is a term used in the field of computer science to describe the second stage of the software development cycle, which follows the alpha stage. During this phase, the software’s key functional requirements are operational, and tests are conducted to evaluate its effectiveness, accessibility, and security. The beta stage involves allowing testers who are not part of the development team or organization to access the software and identify any existing bugs. This unbiased review helps in fixing the identified bugs within a specific timeframe.

User acceptance testing, which occurs during the beta stage, involves actual users testing the software in a real environment. This testing serves as the final check before the product is released to customers. One significant advantage of this stage is the direct input received from clients.

To facilitate these evaluations, the software is made accessible to developers and potential consumers, which is known as a beta release. The individuals who participate in this process are referred to as beta testers. Beta versions of software undergo internal alpha testing and are usually very similar to the final product in terms of appearance, feel, and functionality. Therefore, it is common for design modifications to occur between the two versions.

Closed (or private) beta testing involves a smaller number of testers. This method is suitable for testing software that requires input from a specific demographic or cannot be tested on a larger scale due to scaling constraints. On the other hand, open beta testing typically involves a large number of users, many of whom are potential customers. In this case, it can be seen as a marketing technique aimed at showcasing the product to the target audience.

Beta testing is crucial in software development because developers can become too attached to their own software, making it difficult for them to identify issues. Fresh eyes are needed to spot any problems. While there are no specific guidelines for setting up the evaluation process or determining its content, it is important to link the procedure to a strict set of goals. There are a few conditions that a product must meet to be eligible for beta testing:

  • The product must include all the necessary features planned for the final version.
  • The end product must be stable, with test participants not experiencing unexpected crashes.
  • The test participants should represent the target audience of the product.
  • The assessment should require participants to perform real-world tasks using the app in real-world contexts, rather than in lab environments.

A small number of end-users are given the beta version of the software to provide feedback on its quality. This helps reduce the risk of product failure and improves its overall quality by allowing customers to validate it.

Beta testers, especially volunteers, are usually motivated by a desire to learn more about a new product. This phase primarily focuses on usability, with testers reporting issues and providing comments. They may also suggest additional features and functions, although this is more common in the early stages.

As a result, the beta stage allows developers to make necessary changes and address issues before proceeding to the next step, which is the release. When beta software is close to completion and no further issues or defects arise, it is referred to as a “release candidate.” If everything goes smoothly, the software can then be released as a “stable release.”

The same process applies to any new cryptocurrency scheduled for release in the market. Before being listed on major exchanges, it undergoes thorough testing by software developers, both internally and externally. This ensures that the cryptocurrency’s blockchain architecture remains stable even when there is a surge in user trading activity.

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