Difference [version] Alpha, Beta, RC, GA version
https://www.jianshu.com/p/d69226decbfe
Alpha: internal test version is not generally released to the outside, there will be many Bug testers generally use only.
Beta: Beta is also a version of this stage will always adding new features, launched after the Alpha version.
RC: (Release Candidate) what the name suggests, the software is used in the release candidate. The platform is the Release Candidate. RC version will not add new features, mainly focused on debugging.
GA: General Availability, the official release version in a foreign country is to illustrate the release version with GA.
RTM: (Release to Manufacture) is to plant a large number of tablet version, content with the official version is the same, but there is also a limit RTM version, evaluation version. But the main and official version of the program code is the same.
OEM: With the computer is to give computer makers trafficking, which is a random version. Only random device shipments, not retail. Only a new installation, not an operating system upgrade from the old. Unlike packaged retail edition fine, usually only one side CD and instructions (power of attorney).
RVL: known as the official version, in fact, RVL is not a version of the name. It is a Chinese / English document break out.
EVAL: The EVAL circulating on the network version, and "evaluation version" is similar to the function and the retail version is no different.
RTL: Retail (Retail) is the real official version, the official version of the retail shelves. i386 file in the installation disk there is a folder eula.txt, finally there is a line EULAID, is your version. For example, Simplified Chinese official version is EULAID: WX.4_PRO_RTL_CN, Traditional Chinese official version is WX.4_PRO_RTL_TW. Where: If it is the beginning of the official version WX, WB beginning of the beta.. _PRE, on behalf of Home Edition; _PRO, on behalf of Pro.
stable version: Stable. In the open-source software, has a stable version, this is the final release of open source software, users can rest assured bold use.
α, β, λ represent commonly used software testing three stage process, the first phase [alpha] is generally used only for internal testing; beta] is the second phase, has eliminated most of the imperfections of the software, but there are still shortcomings and gaps may still exist, generally only available to a specific group of users to test use; λ is the third stage, when the product is already quite mature, just do further optimization can be listed in some places issued.
Alpha：
Alpha is an internal test version, is generally not released to the outside, there will be a lot of Bug. Unless you are a tester, it is not advisable to use. Was the first Greek letter, expressed the most basic version, alpha is α, beta is β, alpha than beta version is still early beta version are generally internal testing.
Beta:
The version with respect to the α version has been greatly improved, eliminating a serious mistake, but still there is a defect, need to go through several tests to further eliminate. The stage version will always adding new features.
RC：(Release Candidate)
Candidate is a candidate for the meaning, the software is used in the release candidate. Release.Candidate. Is the Release Candidate. And Beta biggest difference is the Beta phase will always adding new features, but to the RC version, almost does not add new features, while the main focus on debugging! RC version is distributed to end-users closest to the official version version bug is corrected after the release of the official version, it is the last test version before the final version.
GA：（general availability）
For example: Apache Struts 2 GA Apache Struts 2 This is the first release stable versions, GA means that General Availability, which is widely recommended to use the official start.
Release:
This version means "final version", after a series of earlier versions of the beta, after all, there will be a formal version, it is to deliver a final version of the user. This version is also sometimes referred to as the standard version. Under normal circumstances, Release word does not appear in the form of software on the cover, replaced by the symbol (R).