What are alpha and beta testing?

 

What is Alpha testing?

It is a testing method where the internal employees who are basically testers will test the software product or application. It is conducted in the final stages of the software development process and is performed to ensure that there are any errors or bugs that need to be fixed before the product is passed on to the beta testing phase.

It uses both white box and black box testing techniques. Real users are simulated by both these testing techniques. It is conducted before beta testing.

Key features of alpha testing:

·         Bugs are identified in the design and functionality phase of software development

·         The real-time user environment is imitated

·         Better insights about software reliability are obtained

·         It is performed at the developer’s site.

 

What is Beta testing?

This testing method is performed by end users in a production environment. A beta version (which is approximately 85% to 95% completed) of a software product or application is tested by beta testers (end users). Users will test the product or application and then provide their valuable feedback. Based on the availability of users, it can either be performed on-site or remotely.

Based on the user’s feedback, the team can make appropriate decisions to further improve the design and quality of the product or application. 

Key features of beta testing:

·         The robustness, reliability and security of the software is tested

·         It is performed at the end-user’s location

·         It generally uses the black box testing technique.

Differences between Alpha testing and Beta testing:

Alpha Testing Vs Beta Testing

Alpha testing	Beta testing
It is performed by internal employees of the organization	It is performed by end-users
It is performed before the product is launched in the marketplace	It is performed when the product is being marketed to a certain group of people
Both White box and Black box testing techniques are used	Only the Black box testing technique is used
It is conducted in a controlled lab environment	It is conducted in a real-time production environment or remote environment, depending upon the availability of users
The functionality and system requirements are checked	The reliability, security and robustness of the application are checked