It depends on what you mean. If you mean when beta is finished, it will be somewhere near 11/11/2011. But if you mean the beta 1.7.3 (that's the beta version when this was answered), then yes.
right now its in closed beta
yes, but now its in 1.0.0 its fullversion, no longer in beta
Minecraft isn't in beta any more, but they are still bringing out updates so far. Mojang havn't given a date for the new update. (as of yet)
The beta version of Minecraft was released on December 20, 2010.* * Minecraft-beta came after Minecraft-alpha, but before Minecraft 1.0. You can play Minecraft-beta with the new launcher.
no you need minecraft beta to play beta servers
The regular download as of Minecraft 1.8 is the Beta Minecraft. The last Minecraft update I believe will be the "Final" product and official game and no longer be a game in Beta.
Minecraft Classic and Minecraft beta are usable . minecraft classic is never updated so you could say that was finished ages ago minecraft beta however is constantly getting updated. and as far as i know there is no set finish date yet. you can always read notches blog the word of notch for updates and information on the game.
When the full Minecraft game is released you will have it if you buy the beta.
Minecraft is currently scheduled to leave beta November 18th of 2011
As of yet there is no grappling hook in the actual game, but the mod may be found in the related link.Please note that the mod is not yet updated for Minecraft 1.7.3If using Minecraft 1.6.6, the crafting instructions for the grappling hook are on the Minecraft wiki in the second related link.
Beta 1.0
Yes. And Minecraft Beta 1.8 with crafting, furnaces, chests and stuff is called "Minecraft Beta" or "Survival Mode".