Here’s something you probably already know. In IT, most software developers use different environments during development. In most cases, a piece of software starts with a simple idea from one person or group of people.
Before that piece software is released, it would go through many stages. Most start in staging environments where developers create codes and make changes to the codes being developed. Another environment is QA or quality assurance environment. In this environment the product is tested by in-house employees to make sure it’s stable and working as expected.
When the QA department has tested and somehow pleased with the product, it get released to few outside testers as Alpha or Beta. At this stage, some users will download the software to test. It’s usually not recommended to use the product at this stage in production.
When testing is done, the program is finally released to the general public. In theory, this is how most software products are released.
The reason I am writing this is because I created a second website for testing purposes. I make sure to test plugins, new designs and other tweaks before actually using them on my production websites.
This is safe in that you know the plugins and new changes you’re working on will work before installing them on your sites. This is used to limit unexpected problems to your main sites after making changes.
So, if you’re pro blogger or someone who’s just starting out, it’s recommended to test all plugins, changes and other software before installing them on your site. If you don’t that, you may be introducing problems that you didn’t want.
In my case, I created a second blog with almost identical settings as my main blogs for testing purposes only. I test all changes before implementing on my production sites.
If you’re just starting you may not have the resources to stand up another blog for testing. So, here’s a link to a site that offers free hosting.
Extreemhost.com offers free hosting with FTP access and customized panel to manage your site. Register for a free account and setup another blog just for testing.
You can also search Google for other free or cheap host providers to create a second blog there. This is how I do it and hope you do the same.
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I create a second website for testing purposes?
Creating a second website for testing allows you to experiment with plugins, designs, and tweaks before implementing them on your main site, reducing the risk of unexpected problems.
What are the benefits of using staging environments in software development?
Staging environments in software development help developers create and test codes, make changes, and ensure the stability of the product before releasing it to the general public.
What is the role of quality assurance (QA) environment in software development?
The QA environment is where the product is tested by in-house employees to ensure it is stable and functioning as expected before releasing it for further testing by external users.
Why is it important to test plugins before installing them on your website?
Testing plugins before installation helps prevent potential issues and ensures that the plugins work seamlessly with your website, reducing the risk of disruptions to your site's functionality.
How can creating a separate testing blog benefit bloggers?
Creating a separate testing blog allows bloggers to experiment with new features, designs, and changes without impacting their main blogs, helping them ensure a smooth user experience for their audience.
What are the risks of not testing new changes before implementing them on a website?
Not testing new changes before implementation can lead to unexpected problems, disruptions in site functionality, and a negative impact on user experience, highlighting the importance of thorough testing.
What are some best practices for testing software products before release?
Best practices for testing software products include using staging environments, quality assurance testing, alpha and beta testing phases, and ensuring thorough testing before releasing the product to the general public.
How can testing new software versions in a controlled environment benefit users?
Testing new software versions in a controlled environment allows users to provide feedback, identify potential issues, and ensure a smooth transition to the updated version, improving overall user satisfaction.