The first, rough testing of a module idea to determine its main ingredients. Usually done with friends, its aim is to accept fresh ideas and honest criticism. The designer should be prepared to scrap just about anything and substantially modify her vision for the module. See Conceptual Playtest.
(computer science) a first test of an experimental product (such as computer software) carried out by the developer
a pilot test, generally conducted in the development environment, to ferret out the more common faults still left in the system code
a preliminary release of a possibly incomplete software product that is likely to have new features added and many defects repaired before it is released
The "alpha" is the software prototype stage when the software is first able to run. It will not have all the intended functionality, but it will have core functions and will be able to accept inputs and generate outputs. During the alpha test, the EPRI project manager and domain experts typically exercise the software and provide feedback to the developers. EPRI Corporate Software Quality must review any software that will be run outside the developer's shop on customer equipment. More than one alpha may be developed and tested.
An Alpha Test assesses total product functionality, including processes and operations, in an internal environment. Internal "customers" purchase and use the product as if they were real customers, including ordering, installing, and calling for support.
Internal testing that doesn't include the public. See also: Beta Test
In-house testing of pre-production products to find and eliminate the most obvious design defects or deficiencies, either in a laboratory setting or in some part of the developing firm's regular operations. See also BetaTest.
A term given to a very early version of a hardware or software product which is not yet stable and may lack features. After some testing and some revision,...
The process of user testing that is carried out on a piece of alpha software.
The part of the Test Phase of the PLC where code is complete and the product has achieved a degree of stability. The product is fully testable (determined by QA). All functionality has been implemented and QA has finished the implementation of the test plans/cases. Ideally, this when development feels the product is ready to be shipped.
A preliminary, in-house testing of a product to discover obvious flaws.
In software development, an early stage of testing by in-house personnel to identify bugs in the program. It usually involves systematically trying out all of a program's functions. Compare with beta test.
The initial trial run of a new program, system or hardware within the organization that developed it. See Beta Test.