Software release life cycle (Software versions)

• related Software release and maintenance mental models
• Semantic Versioning

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.