Those who know me know I like to write at least two kinds of things: software and songs.

You may not think there is much overlap between the two types of writing. After all, I'm not about to go on stage and sing the heartfelt lyrics:

(provide tree->sql)
(define (tree->sql tree)
  (cond [(null? tree)
         ""]
        [(not (pair? tree))
         (atom->sql tree)]
        [else
         (let ([op (car tree)])
           (string-join 
            (map (curry tree->sql/paren op) (cdr tree))
            (format " ~a " (symbol->string op))))]))

Sometimes, though, there is some overlap in the methodology or ideas. I often find myself wishing ideas from the world of software could be applied to real life. Take the Undo button, for example. There have been a few nights I wished I could use that on. Or Find. If I could just type in "keys", it would make my mornings much easier.

Then there's the concept of the Beta Test. I don't know where the term comes from, or why there is a Greek letter involved, but most of you are probably familiar with what it is. It's for when a piece of software is not quite ready for release to the whole world, but ready to be tried out by a brave few who don't mind the occasional crash. This does have a real analogy in the real world. It's like when you play your new song for your closest friends before going on stage. It's like a first date in a coffee shop.

Inherent in the idea is that it's ok to fail, because, well, it's not the official release. Beta's are expected to be imperfect, so that takes a lot of the pressure off.

Here's my latest song. I hope you like it, but if not, well just remember, it's only a beta test.

• Eddy Boston - Beta Test

This is just a beta test.
Doesn't matter if I fail.
Ignore the thumping in my chest.
No, I'm not a little pale.
If I work I'll finally know
I'm ready for a 1.0.
If I crash, retry, abort,
Better file a bug report.
This is just a beta test.

This is just a beta test.
Don't be scared to try me out.
I may not be the stablest:
That's what betas are about.
Promise me you'll let me know
How my trials and errors go.
I only hope you haven't seen
A fatal operation screen.
This is just a beta test.

This is just a beta test.
This is not the final code.
I don't need to be the best,
Just good enough to not explode.
Maybe I'm no Everquest but
If you'll run my beta test I'll
Work until my eyes are sore to
Get this product out the door.
This is just a beta test.