Beta Testing Process & Overview | What is a Beta Program? | Study.com

What is Beta Testing?

The first test that is conducted is known as alpha testing, where testers who work for the organization check the functionality of the software application before the end of its development. The next test is conducted after development is completed, and it is beta testing. What is beta testing?

The most accurate beta testing definition is beta testing, the second software testing stage. A target audience sample is allowed to try out the product before its release. The beta program is offered to a select group of end-users to test accessibility, usability, functioning, and other factors.

This test is known as the beta test because originally, the first test was named the Alpha test after the first letter of the Greek alphabet. Then, the second letter in the Greek alphabet, beta, was adopted to name the second test, known as the beta test.

What’s a Beta Tester?

When a program is in the beta version, the beta testing is done by a beta tester. So what is a beta tester? Beta testers are “real” users who test the program in a production setting. This means using the same hardware and other components as the final release. This also means it will be the first opportunity for thorough security and reliability testing, as those checks can’t be done in a lab or a staged setting.

Process of Beta Testing

A strategy is necessary for an effective beta test. Therefore, this requires the following important steps: planning, participation, distribution, feedback, evaluation, and closure. The following paragraphs explain these steps in broader detail:

Planning

During this stage, the team decides which beta testing approach to use, the number of participants required for the test, the goal for the test, and how much time is needed for the test to be completed. This stage is also where the framework and parameters are discussed.

Participation

In this step, the target market and participants discussed in the planning process are identified and recruited for testing. When looking for testers to recruit, diversity is important since it will more accurately represent the end-users since the customers have different preferences and needs. It is also important to send the invitations early to know how many testers you will have. This helps to replace the testers who inform the team that they will be unavailable ahead of time.

Distribution

In this stage, the beta program is released to the testers recruited in the previous stage to try it out. Firstly, you must make certain that those testers have a positive experience. This will encourage them to tell their friends and relatives how pleased they were with their “work” with your company. This will play a part in marketing your product through the testers.

Secondly, make sure the application you are testing is compatible with various devices since the participants will use different devices to test the application. Finally, let the participants know what you require from them from the test so that they can prepare adequately.

Feedback

In this stage, comments, suggestions, and testimonials, among other modes of feedback, are gathered by the team using platforms such as emails or comment sections that they provide to the testers. The feedback can be used as a substitute for the reviews that one would receive from users of a finished product, and improve the program or application.

Evaluation

In this stage, the team analyzes the feedback and responds accordingly with improvements and bug fixes. This, in turn, shows the beta testers that you value their input. Feedback analysis helps improve the quality assurance process and helps implement fixes for future products more efficiently.

Conclusion

This stage is also known as the closing stage. The app features will work as intended, and the test will end. The company then awards or appreciates the testers for their service, and updates the testers on the program’s status.

Lesson Summary

A beta version of a program or software, often known as a beta program, is an early version of a program released to a small group of users in exchange for their feedback and suggestions on improving the program’s quality. Beta testing is the second stage of software testing, in which a subset of the target population is provided the chance to try out the program before its release to the general public. A strategy is required for a successful beta test. This necessitates completing the following critical steps: planning, participation, distribution, feedback, evaluation, and conclusion.

In the planning stage, the team selects which beta testing method to utilize, the number of participants needed, and the duration of the test. In the participation stage, the desired participants who had been discussed throughout the planning step are gathered for testing. In the distribution stage, the beta program is made available to the participants who were acquired in the previous stage to test it out. In the feedback stage, the team gathers comments, ideas, and testimonials, among many other types of feedback. The team reviews the comments in the evaluation stage and responds with enhancements and bug fixes as needed. Finally, in the conclusion stage, the test will come.