TL;DR
- Testnet is the testing ground for developers to experiment with new features.
- Mainnet is the fully operational version of the blockchain network.
- Testnet tokens have no value and are used for testing purposes only, unlike mainnet tokens.
- Testnet transactions may be slower than mainnet transactions due to the experimental nature of the testnet environment.
Introduction
Mainnet and testnet are two essential components of blockchain networks. That’s why understanding their differences is crucial for anyone wishing to enter the industry.
In this article, we will look at mainnet, and testnet and how they differ from each other.
What are mainnets?
The term “Mainnet” refers to the final, stable, and fully operational version of a network, which means all transactions are verified and recorded on a distributed ledger. Without a mainnet, a blockchain network that lacks a mainnet is merely an abstract idea and not a functional system.
Projects with a mainnet are able to gain more trust and confidence from the community, since they must undergo a strict evaluation process to launch on a mainnet.
Mainnets also affect the value of crypto tokens released on that network. TokenGazer’s study from 2019 indicates that token prices typically “increase before the mainnet launch and drop after it.”
In short, a mainnet can be considered as the public face of a blockchain network.
Some examples of mainnets include:
- Ethereum mainnet
- Polygon mainnet
- Aurora mainnet and so on.
What are testnets?
Testnet is a separate blockchain network where developers can test all the features without affecting the main network.
In other words, testnet is just a simulation environment. It works just like the mainnet, except for the fact that it is just a trial-run version of the mainnet.
Testnet is extremely important to developers as it offers many advantages. More specifically, testing on the testnet will save fees in the long run for the business because the tokens have no value.
A testnet also provides developers and testers with a focused and uninterrupted working environment, free from the distractions and constraints of the main network. This helps ensure that the final implementation is robust and reliable, minimizing the risk of errors or issues when deployed to the Mainnet.
Some examples of testnet are Sapolia, Kiln, Goerli, Polyscan, etc.
How does mainnet differ from testnet?
Here are the comparisons between mainnet vs. testnet based on purpose, network ID, nodes, genesis block, and transaction frequency.
Below are some terms used in the comparison table.
- Network ID: Network ID is what helps developers identify the network. Mainnets and testnets both have their own network IDs.
- Nodes: Nodes are the moderators that build the infrastructure of a decentralized network.
- Genesis block: Genesis block is the first block on a blockchain network.
| Criteria | Mainnet | Testnet |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | The mainnet is the final, fully-operational blockchain network. | The testnet is the testing area for developers to test all the features without damaging the mainnet. |
| Network ID | Ethereum mainnet network ID is 1 | Ropsten testnet network ID is 3 |
| Nodes | More nodes | Fewer nodes |
| Genesis Block | Own independent genesis block | Own independent genesis block |
| Transaction Frequency | Mainnets have a high transaction frequency as they have thousands of users. | Testnets have a lower transaction frequency than mainnets due to their experimental characteristics. |
Ready Smart Swap on testnet: A word of warning
As the developers of Ready, we’re excited to announce that we’re deploying our Smart Swap feature on the testnet, as a Web version, in a manner that accurately simulates how it will be deployed in real-world use. This is a crucial step for us to ensure that the feature works seamlessly and meets all requirements before we launch it on the mainnet.
And it’s not just about testing, it’s also about giving you an opportunity to try out our latest features for free. That’s right, you can experience the full potential of Ready without paying a single penny.
Please note that as a testnet is an experimental network, you may experience some slowdowns or lag while using Ready on this platform. These issues are not a result of any problems with Ready itself, but rather a limitation of the testnet environment. The testnet is designed to simulate real-world conditions as closely as possible, but it may still have some limitations that affect performance. We ask for your understanding and patience in these cases, as they are beyond our control.
Rest assured that once “Ready” is deployed on the mainnet, these issues will no longer be a concern, and you will be able to enjoy a smooth and seamless experience with the app.
We’d love for you to experience our amazing Smart Swap feature on Web! Don’t miss out on this opportunity and join us now by filling out the opt-in form. You can also check out more exciting details here!
Final thoughts
Mainnets and testnets are two essential components of every blockchain network. Every project needs to be tested and evaluated on the testnet before officially launching to the mainnet. Ready is deployed on testnet to ensure a bug-free experience for users before launching to the mainnet.
