ExpressionEngine 1.6 Loves You

There are many jokes about “Web 2.0” and one of the funniest is concerning the fact that Beta has become the new status for releasable software.  Betas used to be internal and useful for fixing the last few problems in software.  No longer!  It is released to the public and they get to experience it.  Seems the speed of development is simply not fast enough so we have to start releasing software sooner than before.  One can only hope that with the inevitable “Web 3.0” bubble (boom?) that Alpha does not become the new Beta.  On the flip side, in that scenario ExpressionEngine 1.6 would have been released over a month ago and I could be on vacation right now.

Back in May of 2006, Flickr went to Gamma status with a slew of new features.  I just noticed today that they have changed their status once again.  We are now using Flick Loves You.  What a lovely change in status.  The image URL still says Gamma, but this Gamma is much more in tune with you as a person (they “get” you) and sleeps over at your house even during the week.  Next month, you might meet its parents when they come into town for dinner.

I am thinking we should change our entire testing nomenclature now.  Alpha is when there are still major bugs and features are incomplete, so we can simply call that Dating.  Beta the features are complete but there are some residual bugs and the documentation is still being formed for the software.  I suspect one would consider that a Serious Relationship, no?  Finally, Gamma is nearly releasable and with its features is something you cannot live without, and you Love It.

Actually, let us combine this with another idea, the naming of software releases with cute names.  Apple gives OS X versions the names of cats like Panther, Tiger, and Leopard.  Wordpress seems enamoured with jazz musicians.  Me?  I am a huge fan of Monty Python.  Let’s run with it.  ExpressionEngine 1.6 will now be known as ”Mr. Gumby”.  And when 1.6 reaches Gamma status and your friends (or spouse) ask you what you are working on, you can with a straight face say, “Mr. Gumby Loves You”.  Brilliant!