Definition
Golden Master (GM) refers to the final version of a software product that has undergone thorough testing and is deemed ready for release to the market. It is the version considered reliable, stable, and free of major defects. The Golden Master is also often used for creating copies for mass distribution, such as in the case of physical CDs or DVDs, as well as for final digital downloads.
Phonetic
The phonetic pronunciation of the keyword “Golden Master” is:/ˈɡoÊŠldÉ™n ˈmæstÉ™r/
Key Takeaways
- Golden Master is a technique used in software testing, where the output of the tested software is compared to an expected output, which is considered the “Golden Master”.
- It is particularly useful for regression testing, as it can identify unintended changes or bugs in the software during development or modification.
- While the Golden Master technique helps ensure consistency and reliability, it can be brittle and may require frequent updates to the expected output if the software is constantly evolving.
Importance
The term “Golden Master” holds significant importance in the technology industry as it refers to the final version of a software or hardware product before its official release to the public.
It represents the culmination of the development process, incorporating all the necessary features, bug fixes, and optimizations that have been incorporated during the entire development cycle.
Once a Golden Master is created, it is considered complete and ready for mass production or distribution, highlighting that the product has met industry standards and passed rigorous quality assurance tests.
Consequently, this term emphasizes reliability and signifies that the product is polished, ensuring an exceptional user experience and maintaining trust in the creator or the company behind it.
Explanation
The Golden Master, often referred to as the final software build, serves an imperative role during the software development cycle, specifically in the release process. This term is predominantly related to the concept of a software version that has undergone rigorous testing, debugging, and iterations to ensure its stability, reliability, and consistency in providing a smooth user experience.
After successfully completing these processes, the Golden Master will either be delivered to the target audience right away or it may be submitted to manufacturers to create the final product, such as a physical copy of a disc, for instance. In essence, the purpose of a Golden Master is to ensure that the delivered output is free from flaws that may hinder the user experience and guarantee that the product is ready for production or distribution.
The Golden Master aids developers, testers, and project managers in their efforts to maintain the quality of products in a variety of industries, not just limited to software development. By meticulously preparing and refining the product before release, this benchmark version helps in minimizing potential risks and addressing unforeseen challenges.
Moreover, its unwavering focus on quality assurance and validation ensures that it meets the necessary standards, hence boosting the confidence of developers and stakeholders alike. Ultimately, the Golden Master acts as a pivotal step in the journey of creating exceptional products, while solidifying the crucial importance of quality throughout the development process and beyond.
Examples of Golden Master
The “Golden Master” concept is typically used in software development or other technology-related projects to denote the final version of a product before it is released to the public. Here are three real world examples of the Golden Master concept:
Apple’s iOS Golden Master:Apple uses the term “Golden Master” to identify the final release version of its iOS software updates (e.g., iOS 14, iOS 15) before they are pushed to the public. Before the Golden Master is declared, multiple beta versions are tested internally and among developers to identify and fix any potential issues. Golden Master represents the culmination of this testing phase, and it is considered to be the most stable and polished version of the software update.
Windows 7 Release to Manufacturing (RTM):Before the official public release of Windows 7, Microsoft used a similar concept known as “Release to Manufacturing” or RTM. Windows 7 RTM was the final build version of the operating system handed over to hardware manufacturers (OEMs), which then pre-installed it on new devices. Using the RTM build ensured that all partners had the most stable, bug-free version of the software available when the product was launched.
Video Game Golden Master:In the video game industry, the Golden Master represents the final version of a game before it goes into mass production for consoles or distribution platforms. After multiple rounds of development and testing, a game developer will create a Golden Master build that has gone through quality assurance and final bug fixing. This version is then sent to the platform holder (such as Sony, Microsoft, or Nintendo) for approval and certification before being distributed to the public. For instance, Blizzard Entertainment used the Golden Master label for its final build of games like World of Warcraft and Starcraft II before their respective public releases.
Golden Master FAQ
What is a Golden Master?
A Golden Master is a reference data set or an established benchmark against which future software outputs are compared during regression testing. This method helps to identify any unexpected changes or defects that may have been introduced while modifying the software.
Why is the Golden Master approach used?
The Golden Master approach is used to help maintain the stability and quality of software over time. By comparing new outputs to an established standard, developers can more easily identify unintended consequences of their changes and reduce the likelihood of bugs or regressions being introduced into production software.
In what types of applications is the Golden Master approach most commonly used?
The Golden Master approach is commonly used in applications where the output is stable and deterministic, such as simulation software, rendering engines, and code that generates content for documentation or reports. It is particularly useful in situations where there are complex interactions between various components, making it difficult to test each change with traditional techniques.
What are the limitations of using the Golden Master approach?
While the Golden Master approach can be an effective testing strategy, there are some limitations. It can be less effective when the output or behavior of the software changes frequently, as this requires the Golden Master data set to be updated frequently. Additionally, this approach may not identify specific root causes of defects, instead only highlighting the fact that a difference exists.
How do I create a Golden Master?
To create a Golden Master, follow these general steps:
- Select a version of the software that produces the expected output and behavior.
- Run the selected version with a variety of inputs to generate a comprehensive set of outputs.
- Store these outputs as the Golden Master data set in a separate location, such as a version control system or a dedicated folder.
- Create a testing process to compare new software outputs with the established Golden Master data set and alert developers to any differences.
Related Technology Terms
- Software Release Candidate
- Pre-release Version
- Final Build
- Quality Assurance (QA)
- Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)
