Alpha
Noun · Slang & Abbreviations
Definitions
A very early version of software released for limited testing or internal use before the product is considered feature-complete or stable. In slang usage, 'alpha' can also refer more loosely to anything rough and unfinished but promising.
In plain English: A very early test version of software.
Example: "The alpha was good enough for friendly testers, but nowhere near ready for a public announcement."