Before the official release of large-scale general-purpose software, Alpha and Beta tests are usually required. The purpose is to test the functions and performance of the software from the perspective of actual end users, so as to find errors that may only be found by end users.
Alpha testing is a test conducted by a user in a development environment, or it can be a controlled test conducted by users within the company in a simulated actual operating environment. Alpha testing cannot be done by programmers or testers. The errors found in the Alpha test can be immediately fed back to the developers at the test site, and the developers can analyze and deal with them in a timely manner. The purpose is to evaluate the functionality, usability, reliability, performance and support of software products. Pay special attention to the interface and features of the product. Alpha testing can start after the coding of the software product is completed, or after the module (subsystem) test is completed, or after the product has reached a certain level of stability and reliability during the testing process. Related manuals (drafts) should be prepared before Alpha testing.
Beta testing is a test performed by multiple users of the software under the actual use environment of one or more users. Developers are usually not present at the testing site, and beta testing cannot be done by programmers or testers. Thus, beta testing is the live application of software in an environment beyond the developer's control. In the Beta test, the user writes down all the problems encountered, including real ones and those identified by the supervisor, and regularly reports to the developer. The developer makes revisions after comprehensive user reports, and finally delivers the software product to all users use. Beta testing focuses on product supportability, including documentation, customer training, and production support for the product. Beta testing can only begin when Alpha testing has reached a certain level of reliability. Since the main goal of beta testing is to test supportability, beta testing should be managed as much as possible by the same people who lead the product release.