22. Mainnet versus Testnet on the Blockchain. The complete guide!

Testnet and Mainnet are other important terms in the Blockchain technology ecosystem. In short, Testnet refers to the test version of the Blockchain network, while Mainnet refers to the actual network used for real transactions.

Understanding this important distinction is very important, especially for someone who navigates the world of blockchain on a daily basis. The Testnet, on the other hand, provides a safe environment for experimentation and development. The Mainnet, on the other hand, is the backbone of the entire blockchain ecosystem. It is the place where “real” value is stored and transferred.

Knowing the fundamental differences between the two concepts allows developers to properly test their applications and smart contracts while ensuring the smooth operation of the network on the Mainnet.

Today we will explore the main differences between Testnet and Mainnet itself. We will look at both the functionality and the use cases. Of course, we will also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the two systems.

Testnet – what it is and how it works on the blockchain network

Testnet is an experimental network. It is used by developers to test, create and modify application functions. They also monitor the performance of the blockchain network.

Testnets are such simulations of Blockchain. It is the same or a slightly newer version than the Mainnet. It allows developers to test new applications and smart contracts without having to use real assets. This allows them to identify and fix any bugs even before releasing a particular application or smart contract to the Mainnet. The Testnet also allows developers to experiment with new features, improvements, and updates before they are deployed on the Mainnet.

In the cryptocurrency industry, you often hear that Testnet is a kind of sandbox for developers. It allows them to take risks, stick muffins, experiment and find the best possible solutions. Of course, this is all done in a fully controlled way.

So, how does Testnet work? Because it is a faithful replica of the main network, it runs on a separate network, has its own unique features and functions, and transactions on such a network have no effect on the main network.

The same applies to the reverse case – transactions in the main network have no effect on transactions in the test network. However, the test networks mimic the main network. They provide a fully secure environment for experimentation, new features, patches, and updates before a product is deployed on the main network. It is a completely safe environment to try out and develop new things, as defects and bugs are already detected on the test network. These guarantees smooth operation at the main network level.

Use cases and Testnet functionality

• Testnet enables the development of multiple applications in a secure environment.
• It is a place where developers can develop and test their ideas.
• There is minimal disruption to the developers’ work.
• Testnet is a secure testing ground to discuss issues of scalability, security and decentralization.
• Prototypes that run on the test network can be deployed on the Mainnet without any problems.
• All dApps that want to debut on the Mainnet must first go through the Testnet.
• All ideas, functions, apps, etc. are first tested on the Mainnet.
• The Testnet also enables the Mainnet to work faster and more securely.

There are many test blockchain chains. We will use the one we are most familiar with, Ethereum. If developers need a stable test chain for their operations, it is recommended to use Goerli. If users require conditions that are as close to the Mainnet as possible, and they do not mind less stability, they can use Ropsten in the Ethereum ecosystem.

What is Mainnet and how does it work?

Mainnet, is the main network. The final, most stable and fully functional version of the blockchain. It is this network that verifies and records the transactions that take place on the distributed ledger. Mainnet also enables the launch of dApps for public use.

Mainnet is such a live version of the blockchain network. It is used for real transactions, and it is where real users transact, transfer assets or execute smart contracts. The Mainnet is critical to the operation of the entire blockchain ecosystem. Interestingly, for a fully functional blockchain, Mainnets are also used to send and receive transactions in the form of cryptocurrencies or NFT tokens, among others.

Mainnets work very simply. They are separate and independent blockchains that operate on their network. They also use their own protocol and technology. Furthermore, they use cryptocurrencies and tokens to carry out transactions. The functioning of the main network is determined by the consensus mechanism used for the network.

Importantly, transactions on the main network are carried out using the network’s own cryptocurrency and tokens. A distributed ledger stores a record of these transactions. This makes the blockchain transparent and secure.

Use cases and Mainnet functionality

• In a way, the Mainnet is proof that the blockchain works.
• Before the Mainnet is launched, every blockchain is already working with application developers.
• Most blockchains make the underlying codes public once the cryptocurrency Mainnet is launched.
• Most of the Mainchains are open source projects.
• The launch of a Mainnet on a particular network proves that users can use a particular blockchain.

Testnet versus Mainnet – fundamental differences.

1. The two networks differ in the purpose for which they were created. On the Testnet, developers test new solutions and ideas, while the Mainnet is an efficient and functional blockchain.
2. The second difference is the cost of operation. In Testnets, tokens and cryptocurrencies have no value. On the Mainnet, on the other hand, the cost of operations is higher. Every operation performed on the blockchain requires a fee in tokens, which have a value.
3. Another difference is the network ID. It helps developers to identify the network. Mainnet and Testnet have different IDs.
4. Genesis blocks, or the first blocks of each blockchain. Both the Testnet and Mainnet have their own independent genesis blocks.
5. Nodes. Interestingly, the test networks have fewer nodes than the main networks.
6. And the last difference is the frequency of transactions, which is low in the test version.

Summary

What is the first thought that comes to your mind after reading our lesson? That first comes the test network, and only then the main network. All projects related to Blockchain need to be evaluated based on the Mainnet. That is why it’s so important to understand the reading roadmap of the project we’re interested in right now. Now that you know the main features of the Mainnet and the Testnet, you can confidently pay attention to such things!