Beta Testing

Every iteration of software that has been extensively designed needs a means of testing to ensure working order and functionality. This is especially important when projects start becoming increasingly bigger as the developmental cycle draws out. Such applications to use beta testing are imperative in applications such as mobile applications, video games, and financial software.

 

Beta testing can be either open or closed, depending on the decision of the developers. A closed beta testing session only allows a very selective group of testers to use an early build of a piece of software. Quality evaluation is heavily depended on the type of feedback provided by the testers. Thus, there needs to be measures taken to insure that the testing group are that of quality. Ideally, a closed beta testing environment should have testers that have extensive prior knowledge with testing.





With open beta testing, the early build of the advertised software of open to the public. This exemplifies the notion of "quantity over quality". There is usually a forums that users can input their feedback and ideas to make the product better. The downside of this is that the developmental process is at risk of being lead by the "mob mentality", and possibly derailing the original vision for the original project.

Plotnick , Neil . "Best practices for beta testers | ZDNet." ZDNet. N.p., 1 Mar. 2001. Web. 19 Apr. 2014. <http://www.zdnet.com/news/best-practices-for-beta-testers/298382>.

Plotnick , Neil . "Best practices for beta testers | ZDNet." ZDNet. N.p., 1 Mar. 2001. Web. 19 Apr. 2014. <http://www.zdnet.com/news/best-practices-for-beta-testers/298382>.