There was a time, "back then," when a piece of software that was in Beta meant that the application was feature complete, and the developer was simply releasing the software to a small group of users in order to fix any remaining bugs before releasing the app to the general public.

Google changed all that a few years ago when it released GMail to the general public as a beta. To this day, it's still a beta - even though there are millions of users.

That being said, I thought it would be nice to take a look at the definition of some typical software development terms, and what they meant "back then," and what they really mean "now." Read on for the definitions.

Alpha
Back then:

• The stage of development where there is no user interface, just a file full of code. Features are there, just not usable at this point.

• The application is only used by the developer himself.
• Generally, the existence of the app is only known by the developer.
• No time-frame is set, therefor no expectations are had by anyone.

Now:

• This is the stage of development where nothing really exists beyond a Photoshop mockup and a not-to-well thought out idea.
• The developer gets all his buddies to start hyping up the application.
• A ship date of "soon" is promised to the general public.
• Little details are given at this point, other than it's the coolest thing anyone will ever see.

Beta
Back then:

• Application is released to a small control group of users.
• Features and user interface are complete.
• A time-frame for the beta is set.
• Bugs are reported by users to the developer.
• The developer is busy fixing any remaining bugs, or visual imperfections in the interface.

Now:

• Application is released to the entire world. Everyone on the planet downloads the heavily-hyped application and begin using it in their every-day work.
• The application is FREE - as in: if it doesn't work, it's not our problem because you didn't pay for it.
• Beta time drags on for months, or even years.
• The developer begins adding this feature and that because a single person said "they would buy it, if only it had..."

Release Version
Back then:

• After months of thorough beta testing, the product is finally released.
• Application is bug-free and feature complete.
• Developer starts working on new features to add to next version of application.

Now:

• The application, though it made it through the beta stage and didn't get discontinued, sucks horribly and is filled with bugs and missing most of the hyped-up features.
• The application is overpriced by at least 30-70% - at least, according to the vocal minority of users.
• Developer announces he doesn't provide support because he can't charge enough (because you guys said you wouldn't pay more than $5 for it when it was in beta) - instead, we direct your to our "support forums" where we hope another user can help you for free.
• Application breaks two days later after a minor OS security patch.

Discontinued or EOL (end of life)
Back then:

• After years of active development, the application either no longer makes the developer money, or it has been made obsolete by other technology.
• Developer posts the application on his site for free, possibly even including the raw code for others to pick-up development.
• Developer notes that he will no longer develop the application, but will continue to support it for X amount of time.
• Application dies a slow but dignified death.

Now:

• Developer is tired of the misplaced user expectations and complaints and simply stops working on the app.
• Developer still charges for the half-done application.
• Developer announces that the current version will be the last release due to "technical problems" that are the fault of the OS.
• Developer announces there will be no bug fixes, so you're on your own.
• Developer literally disappears off the face of the earth - with your $29.95.

I hope this clears up any questions you may have had about some of the terms you see in regards to software development. The next time you come across a Web site that's hyping some application and has a giant Web 2.0-style Beta badge at the top in a bright orange burst, you can refer back to this post to remind yourself what it means.