Alpha Testing is a type of Acceptance Testing that is implemented in a simulated setting before the product is launched to the market. It is not exposed to the end-users or the market.
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In the course of Alpha Testing, a product that’s recently developed or updated is assessed in a test environment referred to as the Developer’s site. The aim is to emulate real-world usage by end-users in the market and detect any defects or problems.
This article provides a clear and accessible interpretation of the definition, purpose, strategies, and process of Alpha Testing.
Here’s What You’ll Learn:
What is Alpha Testing?
Alpha Testing is an approach used to evaluate the performance and stability of a product during the testing phase.
The primary focus of this phase includes:
- Spotting major and critical bugs, particularly in crucial areas.
- Uncovering usability issues.
- Identifying gaps in features.
- Spotting compatibility and interoperability concerns.
Feedback from the Alpha Testing team is collected to gauge the product’s quality and stability, and recommendations for enhancement are taken into account.
The crucial question addressed in Alpha Testing is, “Does the product function as expected?”
Further Reading:
- Understanding Beta Testing
- Alpha vs Beta Testing – What’s the Real Difference?
Purpose
Alpha Testing is vital for products that are schedule to undergo Beta Testing (though Alpha test can sometimes be skipped, it’s advisable not to).
The reasons for conducting this test include:
- Bugs that surface in later stages (like the Beta Testing phase or post product launch) can damage the product’s reputation and cause production delays.
- Pushing various sections within the company to use and give feedback on the product can enhance its quality.
- Recognizing concerns end-users might have and constructing a support framework for the product.
- Addressing feature gaps for future releases.
When is Alpha Testing Executed?
Alpha Testing generally takes place post the System Testing phase or during it when the product is 70% – 90% complete.
Alpha Testing is executed in the following stages:
- Pre-Alpha Testing: The product’s user interface is prepared, but the features are not completely operational. This stage involves ongoing review and analysis of the product’s prototype to find areas of improvement.
- Alpha Testing: An operational product is ready for testing, and the initial quality assurance round has been concluded.
Alpha Tests usually run in cycles, each lasting 1-2 weeks. The quantity of cycles depends on the features being tested and the amount of issues unearthed.
During Alpha Testing, acceptance tests and a subset of system test cases are usually performed.
Stakeholders and Participants
Typically, the stakeholders of the Alpha Testing phase include internal developers, the quality assurance team, and the product management team.
The ones participating in this testing involve:
- Subject Matter Experts in the respective domain area.
- Those with a thorough knowledge of the product.
- Those who were part of the System Testing phase.
- Technical specialists from related fields.
Occasionally, customers or identified end-users may also partake in testing the Alpha version of the product.
Alpha Testing can utilize either white-box and black-box testing techniques, or a blend of both. Automated acceptance tests are frequently the preferred choice for Alpha Testing due to the multiple cycles and repetitive nature of the tests.
Alpha Testing Strategy
Just like any other testing phase, Alpha Testing comes with a defined strategy that includes objectives and plans.
- A test plan is devised to establish the approach and document the procedures.
- Features to be tested are recognized, and bespoke tests are created.
- Testing techniques, such as black-box and white-box, are chosen based on the requirements.
- Tests that need to be automated are identified and put into effect.
- Bug reporting templates and status reporting methods are developed and examined.
Procedure
The sequence executed from the tester’s perspective:
- Collect and assess the functional requirements from accessible documents.
- Resolve any ambiguities or questions concerning the requirements.
- Formulate and review the Alpha Test Plan.
- Formulate thorough and accurate Alpha Tests for identified features.
- Review Alpha Tests for coverage, need, and traceability.
- Identify Alpha Tests for each testing cycle.
- During each cycle:
- Carry out Alpha Tests once the Alpha version of the product is available.
- Log both functional and UI defects.
- Retest fixed defects.
Entry Criteria for Alpha Test:
- Requirement specification documents should be finalized.
- System Testing should be:
- Finished and signed off.
- 70% – 90% complete and geared up for Alpha Testing.
- Participants should be pinpointed and trained if they are unfamiliar with the product.
- Alpha Tests must be devised and reviewed.
- All functional requirements must have established traceability.
- The testing environment must be arranged and stable.
- An Alpha version of the product must be ready and released with release notes.
Exit Criteria:
- All critical bugs and major functional bugs must be resolved.
- All testing cycles should be completed.
- All Alpha Tests should be carried out and passed.
- Features should be locked down, without any additions, alterations, or removals.
- An Alpha Test Summary Report should be prepared.
- Formal sign-off of the Alpha test should be procured.
Advantages of Alpha Testing
Alpha Testing offers multiple benefits:
Internally:
- Provides early familiarity and interaction with the product by the organization.
- Boosts confidence in the product and paves the way for Beta Testing.
- Prevents expensive errors and catastrophes before mass release.
- Helps to understand the factors influencing successful product releases.
Conclusion
Alpha Testing, when conducted early in the Software Development Life Cycle, affords valuable insights into the product and the user experience. Following a formal and strict Alpha Testing process assists in meeting its goals and guarantees customer satisfaction. We trust that this article has offered additional insights about Alpha Testing.
We encourage you to share your insights and suggestions in the comments section below.