Alpha testing is done before the release of a product to check whether it is functioning properly or not. Beta testing is done when the product is given to end users. They use it and if they find any defects in it they report back to developers. This is done before the final release of the product.
Alpha Testing is part of Black Box/White Box Testing Alpha Testing have done from Development Center It is done from test team at the developers' side.
Beta Testing is part of only Black Box Testing It has to be done from Client side.
In software development your alpha test will be a test among yourselves (the teams) to confirm that your product works. Originally the term alpha test meant the first phase of testing in a software development process. The first phase includes unit testing component testing and system testing. During this time you will compress files edit for misspelled words and unclear directions broken links and sync audio and video. You will also test your product on the lowest common denominator machines to make sure download times are acceptable and preloaders work.
Beta Test
In software development a beta test is the second phase of software testing in which a sampling of the intended audience tries the product out. Beta testing can be considered pre-release testing. Beta test versions of software are now distributed to curriculum specialists and teachers to give the program a real-world test and partly to provide a preview of the next release
Alpha testing: Simulated or actual operational testing by potential users/customers or an independent test team at the developers' site; but outside the development organization. Alpha testing is often employed as a form of internal acceptance testing.
Beta testing: Operational testing by potential and/or existing users/customers at an external site not otherwise involved with the developers to determine whether or not a component or system satisfies the user/customer needs and fits within the business processes. Beta testing is often employed as a form of external acceptance testing in order to acquire feedback from the market.
