What is Alpha testing?

Alpha testing is one of the most common software testing strategy used in software development. Its specially used by product development organizations.

• This test takes place at the developer’s site. Developers observe the users and note problems.
• Alpha testing is testing of an application when development is about to complete. Minor design changes can still be made as a result of alpha testing.
• Alpha testing is typically performed by a group that is independent of the design team, but still within the company, e.g. in-house software test engineers, or software QA engineers.
• Alpha testing is final testing before the software is released to the general public. It has two phases:
  • In the first phase of alpha testing, the software is tested by in-house developers. They use either debugger software, or hardware-assisted debuggers. The goal is to catch bugs quickly.
  • In the second phase of alpha testing, the software is handed over to the software QA staff, for additional testing in an environment that is similar to the intended use.

• Alpha testing is simulated or actual operational testing by potential users/customers or an independent test team at the developers’ site. Alpha testing is often employed for off-the-shelf software as a form of internal acceptance testing, before the software goes to beta testing.