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Definition: canary build


A newly compiled version of software that has not been carefully tested. The first group of people using a canary build find the worst bugs. The term comes from the earlier practice of using "a canary in a coal mine" to test for toxic gas. If the bird died or was visibly impaired, the miners knew it was still unsafe to enter the mine. See build, canary network, Canary channel and Chrome Canary.