A beta release or a beta version is an early version of an application or software made available to a limited number of users. It is a pre-release stage where the developers have added all the major features and functions to the software but allow a limited set of users to test it out.
The beta release is the next stage in software development after the alpha release or alpha version. In this stage, testers outside the organization or development team get to experience and check if the features work well, are easy to use and navigate, and are secure.
Beta testers form part of the early adopters of a crypto project or decentralized application (dApp). They are members of the project's community and typically volunteer to test the app or product in its very early stages, extending support to its development.
A beta release that is almost ready for release is called a release candidate. The next and final stage, when it is about to launch to the general public, is called a stable release.