Alpha Testing

[lithops-zty]

The textbook says

Alpha testing is performed by the users, under controlled conditions set by the software development team.

Can I clarify on the users here? Does it really mean any users, or users within the organization only? If it is any users from the general public, how can we ensure the product is used under controlled conditions?

I have also seen alternative definitions of alpha/beta testing as internal and open testing respectively. Is this correct?

[damithc]

Good question @lithops-zty Alpha testing tend to be done by 'internal' users (e.g., other people in the same organization) whereas beta testers are usually a subset of actual target users (i.e., 'external').

[lithops-zty]

@damithc Thank you prof!