In which testing phase do external users evaluate the software's performance?

Beta testing is the phase in which external users evaluate the software's performance. This stage typically follows alpha testing, where internal developers test the software. During beta testing, a selected group of end-users outside the development team interacts with the software in a real-world environment. This allows these users to provide valuable feedback on software usability, functionality, and performance under actual usage conditions. Their experience and insights help identify any remaining bugs or issues before the final release, making this phase crucial for ensuring a high-quality product.

In contrast, integration testing focuses on how various components of the software interact with each other, typically carried out by the development team. Alpha testing also involves internal evaluation, where the development team identifies issues before allowing external users to test the software. Regression testing is performed to ensure that new code changes do not adversely affect existing functionalities. Thus, while each of these testing phases has its importance, beta testing specifically centers on the feedback from external users regarding the software's performance.