Product
Gold master
Also known as: GM & Final release build
Plain English
The finished glossaryVersionA version is a specific iteration of software or a product at a point in time.Open glossary term of a product ready to be released.
Definition
Gold Master is the final glossaryVersionA version is a specific iteration of software or a product at a point in time.Open glossary term of a product that is considered complete and ready for glossaryReleaseA release is the point at which a product or feature is made available to users. It marks the transition from development to real-world use and often involves deployment, communication, and monitoring.Open glossary term. It represents the approved glossaryBuildA build is the process of compiling and packaging code into a runnable application.Open glossary term that will be distributed to users without further changes.
In practice
Used as the final checkpoint before launch, ensuring all glossaryFeatureA feature is a specific piece of functionality within a product that delivers value to users. It represents something users can do or experience as part of the overall product.Open glossary term are complete, tested, and signed off.
In context
It is the glossaryBuildA build is the process of compiling and packaging code into a runnable application.Open glossary term that gets signed off, archived, and shipped. Once it is named, changes stop being fixes and start being the next glossaryReleaseA release is the point at which a product or feature is made available to users. It marks the transition from development to real-world use and often involves deployment, communication, and monitoring.Open glossary term.
The reality
Calling something ‘final’ doesn’t mean it’s perfect - it just means you’ve decided to ship.
Compared with
Gold Master vs Release Candidate
A glossaryRelease candidateA release candidate is a version of a product that is potentially ready for release, pending final testing and validation. It should be feature-complete and stable, with only critical issues remaining.Open glossary term is a glossaryBuildA build is the process of compiling and packaging code into a runnable application.Open glossary term you believe is ready. The gold master is the candidate that survived final testing and got approved. Every gold master was a candidate; most candidates never become one.
FAQ
Common questions
A few practical answers to the questions that usually come up around this term.
What is a gold master version?
It is the final approved glossaryVersionA version is a specific iteration of software or a product at a point in time.Open glossary term of a product ready for glossaryReleaseA release is the point at which a product or feature is made available to users. It marks the transition from development to real-world use and often involves deployment, communication, and monitoring.Open glossary term.
When is a product considered gold master?
When all glossaryFeatureA feature is a specific piece of functionality within a product that delivers value to users. It represents something users can do or experience as part of the overall product.Open glossary term are complete and the product has passed final testing.
What happens after gold master?
The product is released to users.
Is gold master the same as release?
Gold master is the final glossaryBuildA build is the process of compiling and packaging code into a runnable application.Open glossary term, while glossaryReleaseA release is the point at which a product or feature is made available to users. It marks the transition from development to real-world use and often involves deployment, communication, and monitoring.Open glossary term is the act of delivering it to users.
Related Services
Related Terms
Launch
