In software development, beta (or betatest) refers to the state a computer program is in within its development process. It is a medium development level, where the program may contain several errors, but it works stable enough. The beta state follows the alpha.
This state generally begins when the software features are complete. The version number of these applications is usually accompanied by a «b» indicating beta status. For example: FileZilla 2.0b
The process of delivering a beta version to users is called a beta release.
Users of a beta version are called betatesters. Beta software is usually released free or at a very low cost.
Beta versions of software can also be useful for demonstrations of the program to a group of customers.
beta types
There are two types of beta:
* Closed beta (closed beta): those released to a select group of individuals for the software to be tested.
* Open beta (open beta): those beta software releases for a large community, usually the general public.
The beta testers -those who test the software-, report all the bugs (errors) they find and, sometimes, they can suggest minor functionalities that they would like to see in the final version.
The release of beta programs also serves to take into account the reaction of the general public, as well as the chances of finding more bugs than a «small» group of developers.
perpetual beta
See: perpetual beta.
Related:
Software testing process
Alpha
Quote the definition:
Alegsa.com.ar (2010). definition of beta – ALEGSA 2010-11-15 url: https:///Dec/beta.php
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