Open Beta vs. Stable

I have always been a little confused about this terminology and what the (2) programs are differentiated by. In fact, I use the latest Open Beta version but have the stable also.

So, what is the difference between the two and why is that relevant? When is it decided to make a stable version when the software relentlessly is being updated and improved?

My wild guess would be that they don't want to introduce faults like the FPS drop, some of us are experiencing in the OB, to the "stable" release.

IMHO they should have two betas:

1. For testing bug fixes, especially for modules, they can quickly move to "stable" release.

2. Test core components, and new features.

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Let me save you a lot of storage space on your computer:

They're not (2) programs. They are (1) program with different versions.

If you have both Stable, and Open Beta installations on your computer, then you have a single program installed twice on your computer. You can do that, of course. But I just run dcs_updater.exe to switch as needed.

@randomTOTEN

Don't want to be an ass, but that's not entirely true, and not an answer to his question. Is it?

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So, what is the difference between the two and why is that relevant? When is it decided to make a stable version when the software relentlessly is being updated and improved?

All new features get pushed into the OpenBeta first. Depending on user feedback, these same new features may get pushed into the Stable branch a few days later, or with as much delay as it takes to flesh out the most severe problems.

Until roughly the end of 2019, we usually had a delay between 1 and 2 weeks between OpenBeta and Stable. Since then, though, the Stable has been stuck because of a whole bunch of issues with the OpenBeta.

New features keep getting pushed into the OpenBeta. Maybe the single most significant one right now is the Early Access version of the JF-17, which is only available in the OpenBeta.

To put it a little bit differently: OpenBeta and Stable are two branches of the same program.

It's always possible to switch an existing installation between these two branches, but that usually requires downloading all the files that are different between the branches. Depending on the amount of difference, depending on installed modules and depending on the download speed, this switch may take from maybe a minute all the way up to several hours.

Personally, I have both branches as separate installations so that I can fly our squad trainings on the Stable branch, and test new features or do fun flights in the OpenBeta branch.

You should be aware that the OpenBeta is much more likely to be bugged and broken to the point that it might be entirely unplayable, and that you are very much encouraged to report all bugs and problems that you encounter in the OpenBeta in the appropriate Bug-forums.

The idea is: Run the OpenBeta to help Eagle Dynamics and the 3rd parties identify, find and track down problems. Run the Stable version if you just want to fly DCS.

@randomTOTEN

Don't want to be an ass, but that's not entirely true, and not an answer to his question. Is it?

 

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What's not true about his post? Can't see any wrong information there? :huh:

What's not true about his post? Can't see any wrong information there? :huh:

You answered a question, you provided correct information, you did not answer the OP’s question on what the actual difference was...

Apologies! Didn't mean to offend anybody!

Solitary confinement makes me retarded.

Haven't seen the GF for three weeks, and I guess I'm one of the lucky ones..

Hope all of you guys are keeping it up!

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The idea is: Run the OpenBeta to help Eagle Dynamics and the 3rd parties identify, find and track down problems. Run the Stable version if you just want to fly DCS.

This.

This.

DCS is not a SIM. It's a lifestyle.

Freude am fahren!

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no worries MAXsenna, you didn't offend anyone

:)

Thanks!

My "3D app monitor" has clocked me for 64 hours in DCS the past week.

Guess that goes for lots of others!

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Sorry, this won't answer the question either.

Right now i'm on the OB. When I want to try the stable I delete the OB and install stable. I do this because my SSD won't hold both of them. Is there an easier way to do it?

yes-you can switch between them using command line switches for the updater utility, or do it using Skatezilla's graphical updater utility

https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=160053

Is there an easier way to do it?

You can use the updater GUI posted above if you want. Or, if you feel comfortable using some basic windows commands, you can do it using the installed DCS software.

https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=114030

Ok, thanks, guys.

One more question. I took a vacation from DCS lately. I'm not up on all the updates. If I was to just fly the A-10C. Is there a reason for me to use the OB version?

Ok, thanks, guys.

 

 

One more question. I took a vacation from DCS lately. I'm not up on all the updates. If I was to just fly the A-10C. Is there a reason for me to use the OB version?

No reason to use the OB version for the A-10C. The Stable version will be just fine, or better.

Thanks, that's what I was thinking too.

Now, I have to decide if I want to concentrate on the A-10C or the F/A-18. I like to put all my effort into one plane at a time.

I'll stay on OB for the Hornet but if I pick the Hog i'll go back to stable.

The hog doesn't have any "game breaking" bugs in OB, I think you're safe to stick with OB if that's what's working for you already.

That's true. I have no problem with it in OB. I'm just worried some future update will start problems.

I guess I shouldn't worry about something that hasn't happened yet. I've gotten too cautious in my old age. :)

I believe A-10 in the current OB now also has this fix:

DCS A-10C by ED

GAU8 dispersion corrected.

That's true. I have no problem with it in OB. I'm just worried some future update will start problems.

 

I guess I shouldn't worry about something that hasn't happened yet. I've gotten too cautious in my old age. :)

Indeed. That's what I would call paranoid. If problems occur in the future you can still revert back ;)

Indeed. That's what I would call paranoid. If problems occur in the future you can still revert back ;)

I don't think paranoid is a good description because updates screwing up things has happened many times before. It's also a serious mental condition. However, I get your point.

I don't think paranoid is a good description because updates screwing up things has happened many times before. It's also a serious mental condition. However, I get your point.

Yes, that can happen for sure, but as I said, you can still revert back if issues occur. No need to do that prematurely when its still working fine :)