Explain what is Alpha and Beta testing?

When custom software is built for a customer, a series of acceptance tests is performed to allow the customer to validate all requirements. Most software product developers carry out a process called alpha and beta testing to discover bugs that appear to only the end user can discover.

• Beta test: They are carried out by the end users of the software in the customer workplaces. Unlike the alpha test, the developer is not normally present. Thus, the beta test is a live application of the software in an environment that can not be controlled by the developer. The client logs all problems encountered during the beta test and reports to the developer at regular intervals.
• Alpha test: They are carried out, by a client, at the development site. The software is used in a natural way with the developer as a user observer and logging errors and usage problems. Alpha tests are performed in a controlled environment.