A new product goes through alpha and beta stages of development before commercial release. Beta versions are previews for testing and feedback, with limited technical support. Websites also use beta versions for compatibility testing. The term “beta” originated from early IBM hardware testing and is now commonly used.
When a new product, such as a software program, is created or updated, there are several stages of development before the manufacturer sells it commercially. The first phase is an “alpha” release, where software testers within the company test and debug a program if necessary. A “beta” release is the name of the second stage, in which it is often released for free or at a reduced price to a group of external users for further testing. Websites also usually go through this stage during development, to see how well they perform for a large user base.
Purpose and different types
The beta version of a software release is considered a preview; while it may include many standard features, it is not yet ready for wide distribution or sale. During this stage, developers collect feedback from users about the product’s functionality, including what they like and what should be changed before its wide release. A beta version of a program can be “closed,” limited to a specific group of users, or “open,” available to the general public. During this testing, developers may release numerous versions of a program, including improvements and bug fixes with each iteration.
Restrictions or Limitations
While the beta version of the software may include many of its features, it is usually not intended as a commercial product. Businesses might be allowed to use a beta graphics program, for example, to create new images or products, but they can’t sell what they create unless they pay for a commercial license. Computer games, especially online games, are often beta tested to find bugs and make sure they work properly upon release. While people can usually play these tests for free, once the test is over, they have to pay for the commercial version of the game to play it again.
Technical support
Beta release products often have limited, if any, technical support available to users. This can be frustrating for some people, but it’s a consequence of the fact that the product hasn’t been released yet. Since users don’t pay for the program, frustration based on poor customer service is usually forgiven as bugs and errors go away with every patch or update. Some products remain in beta for years, during which time they can be used by a large audience as if they were full versions.
Use in website development
A beta version can also refer to a website made available to test its features and get feedback from the public. During this period, some functions may not work properly. This process is often used to ensure compatibility between site code and different web browsers and computer systems. Beta sites are often first placed on secret domains that are only available to their test audience, before being moved to their real domains for public viewing and use.
Origin and other uses
The word “beta” comes from the second letter of the Greek alphabet and originated with early hardware testing for International Business Machines (IBM) computers. It has come into common use, especially among frequent computer users. “Beta release” is often applied as a slang term to refer to any product or service that appears not ready for mainstream release, especially as a critique for something commercially sold.
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