Difference between Alpha Testing and Beta Testing

Testing is the last stage of the software development life cycle before delivering the product to the software. In testing there are two types one is called Alpha testing and second is called as Beta testing. As black box testing is also referred as beta testing. In testing phase the acceptance testing, quality testing and testing of the functional and non-functional requirements in performed. Testing is considered as a vital phase of the software development life cycle. Irrespective of the model chosen the testing phase is part of every software development model.

Alpha Testing

Alpha testing is performed by the developer. Developer performs the testing of all the code written. Developer tests the design and functionality in comparison with the software requirement specification document. In alpha testing the result in recorded and is performed by following test cases.

Beta Testing

In beta testing user in involved. All the testing is done by the client in this type of testing the inner working code is not concerned. The users have less or no knowledge about the internal working of the software. This type of testing is also known as Black Box testing as the user is unaware of the internal code and working.

Alpha Testing VS Beta Testing

Performers:

Alpha testing is performed by the testing team, developers and quality engineers.

Beta testing is performed by the user or client in the absence of testing team.

Environment for testing:

Alpha testing is conducted under controlled conditions. These controlled conditions are also known as Computer-generated Environment.

Beta testing is performed at the user environment.  User environment is the actual environment in which the software is going to installed.

Functionality to be tested:

In alpha testing the code, functional requirements are tested. And non-functional requirements like security are not tested.

In beta testing the non-functional requirements are also tested along with functional requirements.

Benefits:

Quality of the product is improved. Productivity and accuracy of the method used is obtained.

In beta testing the limitations of the software are defined in the actual environment.

Time for testing:

Alpha testing is done at time when the software is not delivered to the client. Before release the alpha testing is done.

Beta testing is done when the software is delivered to the customer.

Actions taken after testing:

All the bugs, errors are removed. If any functionality is missing it is added in the software at the spot.

All the bugs and errors found in beta testing are removed in the next version of the software.

Conclusion

Both testing techniques are important. As there are many bugs and errors which may be overlooked by the developer. For this reason a further testing is done. Both testing techniques have their own significance.