The Difference Between Alpha And Beta Testing QA teams face many decisions when creating a testing plan for the software development lifecycle (SDLC). Regardless of the testing types used (like unit testing, regression testing, integration testing, etc.), alpha and beta testing are crucial for translating user acceptance criteria and defining the project’s success. Due to their numerous similarities, alpha vs. beta testing continues to be a topic of debate. Without complete knowledge and proper guidance from testing experts, it’s easy to become confused. This article explains alpha and beta testing in detail and shares insights on their differences and similarities, as well as which testing type is more important. What is Alpha Testing? Alpha testing is a type of user acceptance testing (UAT) that is internal to the organization. The development team and testers perform it to validate the software requirements and ensure that critical bugs, errors, exceptions, and defects are removed and defects are absent. Alpha testing is conducted before the application is launched. It aims to gather the minimum viable experience (MVX) needed to ensure that the application is not flawed and will provide a practical solution for end users. This testing is carried out in two phases: In the first phase, the developers run the initial tests to verify their code quickly using compilers and debugging tools. Their job is to validate that their code does not disintegrate and runs smoothly. In the second phase, the QA team or the testers simulate real-world scenarios to test the software’s functionality, performance, and usability. They give their approval only when no show-stoppers and roadblocks are identified. In short, alpha testing is the final testing done collectively by the dev and QA teams to ensure the product is market-ready. Without it, the product cannot be released for beta testing. What Is Beta Testing? Beta testing is a form of user acceptance testing that takes place in a real-world environment, involving potential customers, expert users, or public beta testers. Its purpose is to gather feedback from end users, which is then analyzed, evaluated, and used to improve the final version before the official launch. Beta testing can be performed in two ways: Releasing the beta version to all the users. For example, Upwork usually releases the beta features for all the signed-up users. Inviting only a specific set of users to test the beta release. For example, Apple has a dedicated platform, “TestFlight,” where a pre-release version is launched only for the testers and developers to asses, raise issues, and provide feedback. Difference Between Alpha Testing Vs. Beta Testing Criterion Alpha Testing Beta Testing Objective To identify bugs and issues or any roadblocks in the final software release. To gather user feedback and discover issues in a real-world environment. Time Before the application is launched publicly. After the application is made available to testers outside the organization. Performed by Internal developers and testers. Existing users, the general public, volunteer testers, or a selected group of customers. Environment The controlled environment within the company’s premises, such as the developers’ site or a lab. Real user environment outside the company’s premises. Testing Stage Early stage, typically after unit and integration testing. Later stage, after alpha testing and usually before the final release. Duration Usually, the execution cycle is 1 – 2 weeks longer, allowing for thorough testing. Shorter duration, focusing on key functionalities and user experience. Testing Type White box and black box testing. Only black box testing. Focus Finding bugs, fixing defects, and ensuring functionality. Collecting feedback on user experience, usability, and performance. The reliability, security, and robustness of the product are also tested. Documentation Detailed test cases and bug reports are used. Feedback forms, user reviews, and bug reports are collected. Access Limited to internal team members. Open to all or a selected group of external users. Type of Issues Found Workflow, functional, and logical issues, including exceptions. Issues related to usability, user experience, and performance under real-world conditions are identified. Post-Testing Developers will start fixing the bugs or issues as soon as alpha testers report them. Feedback gathered is implemented in future releases. Implementation It is mandatory to perform. Buggy software cannot be launched for end users to find and report issues. It is not compulsory. It entirely depends on the company’s decision based on certain factors, such as available resources to work on feedback and the organization’s long-term goals. Similarities Between Alpha & Beta Testing Despite many differences between alpha and beta testing, both types share the following traits. 1. Sub-types of User Acceptance Testing (UAT) Both testing types are the forms of UAT, as they aim to identify bugs and issues before the final release. They are crucial to ensuring the end software quality and functionality meet the expected criteria and requirements. 2. Purpose Both testing types share the same goal of improving the product quality. 3. Reliance on User Feedback Both testing types depend on feedback. In alpha testing, it is provided by internal team members, whereas in beta testing, the feedback is collected from external users. This feedback plays a pivotal role in enhancing product quality and ensuring a better user experience. 4. Contribution to Seamless Product Launch Both testing types are conducted to detect issues before the product is launched to a wider audience. This way, errors can be fixed early, preventing a negative user experience. 5. Iterative Process Both alpha and beta testing are iterative. They involve multiple cycles of testing, identifying issues, fixing them, and then retesting to ensure they have been resolved and no new issues have been introduced in the final release. 6. Documentation Both types of testing require documentation of issues found and feedback received. This documentation is essential for bug-tracking, understanding user concerns, and guiding future development and improvements. Alpha Testing Example Consider a development team setting up a new blog site on WordPress. Before publishing the site and inviting the bloggers to contribute their work, the team must perform alpha testing to ensure critical functionality. For example, the internal testers perform the following steps: Access the URL Sign up Set up their profile Create a new blog Attach a thumbnail image Upload a cover image Submit the blog for review Throughout all these steps, from accessing the website to publishing the blog content, several bugs could impact user experience if left undiscovered. For instance, the team identifies and reports the following issue: “When the user hits the submit button without uploading the cover image, the site throws an exception.” In this scenario, the developers realized they made the cover image mandatory but did not account for when the user didn’t provide one. Since the issue was flagged before release, the team can fix and retest the functionality to ensure everything works as intended. Beta Testing Example A simplified yet practical example of beta testing is beta features released by Upwork for registered and verified freelancers. One specific feature was the “availability badge,” which was initially released as a beta feature for a selected group of Upwork users. The company announced the pre-release version for testing on its community forum, where users could understand the feature’s functionality and purpose. They were also encouraged to share their opinions, even if they were not among the selected beta testers. After the beta testing phase concluded, another announcement was made to inform the public that the feature had been improved and finalized based on the feedback received. It was then made available to all freelancers. Note: It’s important to note that the entire software application doesn’t have to be released for beta testing. If the product was launched in the past, then beta testing is only carried out on new features added as part of ongoing improvements. Which Comes First, Alpha Or Beta Testing? Alpha testing always comes before beta testing. Alpha testing is mandatory, whereas beta testing is optional. Alpha testing is essential to ensure that a fully functional application is released to the public. This can only be achieved by identifying and resolving critical bugs and defects before the product launch, thus preventing the application from crashing during user experience. Beta testing takes place after the product has been made available to external users. It is conducted to gather feedback from real users and enhance the user experience in future versions. Which Is More Important: Alpha Or Beta Testing? If compared, alpha testing is more critical because it serves as the gatekeeper for a successful product release. The application cannot be delivered unless the team validates its major workflows and core functionality in order to prevent a negative user experience. Additionally, it’s essential not to think of alpha and beta testing as alternatives. Depending solely on user feedback for error detection is unprofessional because a buggy application will only frustrate them. Therefore, thorough alpha testing must be conducted before making the application available for beta testing. Ultimately, both aim to provide the target audience with a seamless, useful, and user-friendly product experience. If you need help with your testing requirements and goals, don’t hesitate to contact Testlio. Talk to an expert on our team to learn how our tailored testing services save time and improve your QA efforts.