What is a Golden Build? | Golden Build

What does "Golden Build" mean?

In the context of beta testing, a "golden build" is a term used to describe the final version of a product that is ready to be released to the general public. The term "golden build" is often used to distinguish the final version of a product from earlier beta versions, which may still contain bugs or other issues that need to be addressed.

A golden build is typically the result of a thorough testing process, in which a product has been subjected to various types of testing to identify and fix any issues or bugs. A golden build is considered to be the highest quality version of a product, and it is the version that will be released to the general public.

The term "golden build" is often used informally, and it is not a formally defined term in the field of software testing. It is used more as a way to highlight the importance of the final version of a product, and to distinguish it from earlier beta versions that may still contain issues or bugs.

How do you measure the readiness of a "Golden Build"?

There are several ways that the readiness of a golden build can be measured, including:

Testing metrics: The results of various testing activities, such as unit tests, integration tests, and user acceptance tests, can be used to gauge the overall quality and readiness of a golden build. This can include metrics such as the number of defects discovered, the number of defects fixed, and the overall stability and reliability of the build.

User feedback: Gathering feedback from users who have tested the golden build can provide valuable insights into the overall readiness of the build. This can include feedback on the product's functionality, usability, and overall value.

Release criteria: Organizations can define specific release criteria that a golden build must meet in order to be considered ready for release. These criteria might include specific metrics or requirements related to the product's quality, performance, or functionality.

Gut check: Some organizations may also use subjective evaluations or "gut checks" to gauge the readiness of a golden build. This can involve evaluating the overall quality and readiness of the build based on subjective impressions and gut instincts, rather than objective data or metrics.

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