Changes

DCD may test multiple open-source applications to develop a particular tool. When a tool is in pilot it means that an open-source application is being tested to see if it can meet the users' needs, before the tool undergoes a more comprehensive development by the DCD team. It is a short-term, experimental phase to see how the large-scale service may work in practice.[https://searchcio.techtarget.com/definition/pilot-program-pilot-study]. Pilot is sometimes referred to as pre-alpha.[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_release_life_cycle#Pre-alpha]  

DCD may test multiple open-source applications to develop a particular tool. When a tool is in pilot it means that an open-source application is being tested to see if it can meet the users' needs, before the tool undergoes a more comprehensive development by the DCD team. It is a short-term, experimental phase to see how the large-scale service may work in practice.[https://searchcio.techtarget.com/definition/pilot-program-pilot-study]. Pilot is sometimes referred to as pre-alpha.[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_release_life_cycle#Pre-alpha]  

Open pilot testing means that the potential open-source application is available to anyone in the user-base to test. Closed pilot testing means that the potential application is only available internally to the team who will be developing the tool. The DCD team uses both of these pilot testing methods depending on what makes the most sense for the tool which will be developed. However, when possible open pilot testing is preferred as it includes the user at the earliest stage of development.

Open pilot testing means that the potential open-source application is available to anyone in the user-base to test. Closed pilot testing means that the potential application is only available internally to the team who will be developing the tool. The DCD team uses both of these pilot testing methods depending on what makes the most sense for the tool which will be developed. However, when possible open pilot testing is preferred as it includes the user at the earliest stage of development and allows the users to provide feedback.

If the open-source application being tested is unsuitable, a different application will be pilot tested.

If the open-source application being tested is unsuitable, a different application will be pilot tested.

===Beta===

===Beta===

After Alpha testing has ended, the tool enters the Beta stage of development and testing. The DCD uses open Beta testing to test its tools, meaning that the tool can be used and tested by every user in a real environment. The tool [https://www.softwaretestinghelp.com/beta-testing/].  

After Alpha testing has ended, the tool enters the Beta stage of development and testing. When in Beta the tool is at least 90% completed for the official release[https://www.softwaretestinghelp.com/beta-testing/]. The DCD uses open Beta testing to test its tools, meaning that the tool can be used and tested by every user in a real environment.  

the testing carried out by real users in a real environment.

During Beta testing users are asked to provide feedback on the design, functionality, and usability of the tool. Beta testing is also done to find minor bugs, as well as bugs which may have been missed in Alpha testing[https://www.softwaretestinghelp.com/beta-testing/].