Beta Testing is done after alpha testing.
Testing done by the potential or existing users, customers and end users at the external site without developers involvement is know as beta testing.
It is operation testing i.e. It tests if the software satisfies the business or operational needs of the customers and end users.
Beta Testing is done for external acceptance testing of COTS(Commercial off the Shelf) software.
It is done to acquire feedback from mass market, for example beta testing of Gmail.
Beta testing is testing a software product or service in a real-world environment before its official release. It is an essential step in the software development lifecycle as it helps identify bugs and errors that may have been missed during development.
Why need Beta Testing?
Identify and fix bugs:
Beta testing helps to identify and fix bugs or errors in the software. It allows developers to catch issues not detected during development and resolve them before the official launch.
Ensure software quality:
Beta testing helps to ensure that the software meets the expected quality standards before it is released to the public. This helps to reduce negative reviews, returns, and refunds that can affect the product’s reputation.
Evaluate performance:
Beta testing enables developers to evaluate the software’s performance in real-world scenarios, which can help identify issues with the software’s functionality, speed, and responsiveness.
Get user feedback:
Beta testing provides a platform for users to give feedback on the software, its features, and its usability. This feedback can improve the software’s overall performance and user experience.
Improve user engagement:
Beta testing can improve user engagement by allowing users to test the software and provide feedback.
Characteristics of Beta Testing:
Beta testing is performed by clients or users who are not company employees.
Reliability, security, and robustness are checked during beta testing.
Beta Testing commonly uses black-box testing.
Beta testing is carried out in the user’s location.
Beta testing doesn’t require a lab or testing environment.
Types of Beta Testing:
There are different types of beta testing:
Traditional beta testing: The product is distributed to the target market, and related data is gathered on all aspects.
Public beta testing: The product is released publicly through online channels, and anyone can collect data. Based on feedback, product improvements can be made.
Technical beta testing: The product is released to an organization’s employees for feedback/data collection.
Focused Beta Testing: Software product is released to the market to collect feedback on specific features of the program—for example, necessary software functionality.
Post-release Beta Testing: The software product is released to the market, and data is collected to make improvements for future product releases.
