Beta Testing
// Definition
Testing by external real users in their own environments, often with a pre-release version. Used to validate UX and surface issues that don't appear in lab conditions.
// Related terms
Alpha Testing
Internal testing by employees or invited users in a controlled environment, usually after dev/QA testing but before broader external release.
UAT (User Acceptance Testing)
Verification by end users or business stakeholders that the system meets their real-world needs. The final validation gate before release.
Exploratory Testing
Simultaneous learning, test design, and execution — the tester explores the app, forms hypotheses, and probes them, with no pre-scripted steps. Most effective when time-boxed and chartered.
Learn more · Software Testing Fundamentals
Chapter 3 · Lesson 4: UAT, Alpha, and Beta Testing