Alpha version, beta version, RC version of the meaning

Many software will be released before the official release of a number of preview or beta version, generally called "beta" or "RC version", especially open source software, and even the "alpha version", below to explain the meaning of the various versions.

Alpha version: Internal beta. Alpha is the first of the Greek alphabet, indicating the earliest version, the general user do not download this version, this version contains a lot of bugs, the function is not complete, mainly for developers and testers to test and find bugs.

Beta: public beta version. Beta is the second of the Greek alphabet, as the name implies, this version is released later than the Alpha version, mainly for "tribal" users and loyal users of the test, the version of which there are many bugs, but the relative alpha version to stabilize some. This stage version of the software also continues to add new features. If you are an enthusiast, you can download this version.

RC version: Full-write: Release Candidate (candidate version), this version is further than the beta version, the feature is no longer added, and the final release version of the same functionality. This version is a bit like a preview before the final release, and the release is not far from the final release. As a normal user, if you are in a hurry to use this software, you can also download this version.

Version stable: stable version. In open source software, there are stable version, this is the final release of open source software, users can be assured that the use of bold.

In addition, for commercial software, there is a version:
RTM version: All called Release to manufacture. Factory edition. Revision procedures have been fixed, on the factory packaging, CD-ROM printing patterns and so on.
OEM Version: Manufacturer's custom version.
Eval version: Evaluation version. It's a 30 or 60-day version of the term.
RTL version: Retail. (Retail edition), this version is really released version, there are beautiful packaging, CDs, brochures and other things and high prices.

< excerpt from: Network >

Alpha version, beta version, RC version of the meaning