Software release life cycle (Software versions)

  1. Pre-alpha (aka “Nightly”)
    • Software is still being built. Before any kind of testing.
  2. Alpha
    • Internal testing (DAT)
  3. Beta
    • User testing (UAT)
  4. Release candidate (aka “gamma”, “delta”)
    • Potential to be a stable product, unless bugs emerge. “Code complete”, ie. doesn’t need any more features. Users should treat this as a finished product.