What does download beta version mean?

Beta is the second letter of the Greek alphabet, suggesting that it is the second development phase that usually comes after the MVP or the alpha testing. Generally, this crash test is often released only to a select group of people but it can also be released to the general public to test and provide feedback. Generally, products tend to have much more bugs or system flaws when released in the beta phase. They are then worked on, rectified and a much cleaner result is launched as the actual product.

Releasing a product without having a beta phase could result in catastrophic market responses as users expect a finished product on the release and having a direct launch might give a product with possible performance issues.

When in beta state, beta testers are more considerate and help to report bugs and faults back to the developer. In exchange, the developer fixes the bug and gives the beta testers benefits like early hands on the product, special offers, etc. Often used by developers when they keep on releasing new features till the offering is finalised.

Closed Beta is launched for users that are limited and known to give professional reviews and feedback for the product. A closed beta is launched by inviting beta testers and asking them to review the current state of the product.

Generally, games or applications that are making major changes create a closed beta platform for their known users to give feedback. Since users are not paying for the program, frustration based on poor customer service is usually forgiven as bugs and errors disappear with each patch or update. Some products remain a beta version for years, during which time they may be used by a wide audience as if they were full versions. A beta version can also refer to a website that is made available to test its features and gain audience feedback.

During this time, certain features might not function properly. This process is often used to ensure compatibility between the code for the site and different web browsers and computer systems. Beta version sites are frequently first placed on secret domains that are only available to their test audience, before being transferred to their real domains for public viewing and use.

The word "beta" comes from the second letter in the Greek alphabet and originated with early hardware tests for International Business Machines IBM computers. It has entered common usage, especially among frequent computer users. Beta versions have gone through alpha testing inhouse and are generally fairly close in look, feel and function to the final product; however, design changes often occur as a result.

Beta testing is imperative when writing software because developers are too close to their products, and fresh eyes are essential. In more closed environments such as the Mac and mobile phone platforms, beta testing is less about coexistence with other software and more about functionality and ease of use, the latter a long-standing joke in this industry see user interface. See alpha test , beta test , release candidate and dogfooding. Related articles.