What is a Release Candidate?
A Release Candidate (RC) is a version of a software product that is almost ready for release but may still contain some minor bugs or issues that need to be fixed. It represents a critical stage in the software development lifecycle, serving as a potential final product unless significant bugs emerge.
Usually, after a series of alpha and beta testing phases, the software enters the Release Candidate phase. During this time, developers focus on identifying and addressing any remaining issues, ensuring that the software meets all necessary criteria for stability, functionality, and performance.
Release Candidates are used extensively in Version Control Systems (VCS) to facilitate collaboration among developers. They serve as a baseline version for further testing and validation before the final stable release.
Organizations may choose to distribute the RC version to a select group of users for additional testing and feedback, enabling them to rectify any overlooked problems. Ultimately, if no major issues are found, the RC may be promoted to the official release version.
In summary, a Release Candidate is a vital stage in the software development process, allowing teams to ensure quality and readiness for production use before the final launch.