What is Testnet?

Update 9 Aug 2023 • Reading Time 5 Minute

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Testnet is a useful network for both developers and users. For the development team, it can be a means of testing new features that are safe from the risk of attack or loss of assets. As for users, testnet can be used to get to know a new network. In this article, Find out more about what a testnet is and how to use it.

Article Summary

⚡ Testnet is a separate blockchain network for testing systems or projects before they are deployed on the main network (mainnet). It reduces risk when adding new products or tools to the main network.
🗝️ The purpose of a testnet is to test systems and features, simulate real-world conditions, and get feedback. Users can use testnet to experiment and learn about the project.
🪙 The testnet token is a crypto asset used on the testnet network. While they have no value, they help test new features, learn about the blockchain ecosystem, and interact with other users on the same network.
⚠️ Testnet tokens can be obtained through online faucets, project development participation, or testnet network mining.

What is Testnet?

As the name implies, a testnet is a separate blockchain that developers use to test their systems or projects before deployment on the main network (mainnet). Testnets are also often used to test the integration and interaction between different systems and platforms.

The difference between mainnet and testnet. Source: Masterthecrypto.

Adding new products or tools to the mainnet network directly comes with significant risks. From the risk of being exploited by hackers to causing damage to the mainnet network itself. Therefore, the tesnet becomes a safe and isolated place where developers can test new functions and features, debug, and experiment without risk.

Interested in trying to use the DeFi app? Here’s an article from Pintu Academy on how to use the DeFi app safely

The Goerli testnet is one of the most widely used for testing. As numerous smart contracts are developed and deployed on the Ethereum network, Goerli serves as Ethereum’s preferred testnet for smart contract development. However, Ethereum offers additional testnets, including Sepolia and Rinkeby. Likewise, Polygon has its Mumbai testnet, while Solana provides the Solana Devnet as its designated testnet.

The most commonly used testnet is the Goerli testnet. Source: Learn DeFi

Purpose and Benefits of Testnet

As mentioned earlier, the primary purpose of a testnet is to test systems, features, and so on. However, the following are the purposes and benefits of a testnet network:

🔐 Secure testing ground. Using a testnet, development teams can test new systems and features without worrying about attacks or the risk of losing real assets or money.
♻️ Real-world simulation. Through testnets, development teams can simulate and see how their applications perform in the real world. Thus, they can get an idea of the performance and scalability of the application when accessed by users.
📩 Get feedback. The development team can get feedback from users about network stability, features offered, and various other things. This is useful for improving the product before it is launched on the mainnet.

Not only useful for developers, but testnets can also be a testing ground for crypto investors. They can use the testnet to experiment with the usability of a crypto asset or its network without worrying about its risk.

To perform various activities on the testnet network, users must first have a testnet token. In the next section, we will learn what testnet and testnet tokens are, their uses and how to get them.

What is Testnet Token?

A testnet token is a crypto asset used on a blockchain’s testnet network. As a test token, the testnet token has no value because it cannot be used outside the testnet network.

However, it is useful internally for risk-free testing. Here are some uses for testnet tokens:

⚙️ Test new features on the blockchain network. Testnet tokens can be used to test smart contracts, dApps, wallets, and other new applications.
🔍 Learn about uses-cases. Users can learn about the ecosystem and how a blockchain works through testnet tokens at no cost.
🌐 Interact with other users on the blockchain network. Testnet tokens can also be used to send transactions to other users on the same network.

Testnet tokens are usually available via faucets. Learn more about faucets in this article.

How to Use Testnet

A testnet can be a great way to learn and experiment with a project. In general, here are the steps to use testnet:

Research and select a project that is doing a testnet. Joining a testnet is now one of the requirements for users to be eligible for airdrops from a project. Websites like Galxe and Zealy can be a source to find these new projects.
Download, install, and connect a wallet that supports the testnet network. Remember, don’t be careless in connecting your wallet. Be sure to check and join the network with your wallet through the official website or a website like ChainList.
Get testnet tokens for your activities on the testnet network. There are various ways to earn testnet tokens, from faucets participating in projects, or mining.
Start experimenting. After obtaining testnet tokens, you can immediately perform various activities. Starting from sending and receiving, doing swaps, to various activities related to the features of each testnet.

How to Get Testnet Tokens

Polygon's faucet gives away MATIC testnet tokens — Polygon’s faucet gives away MATIC testnet tokens. Source: Polygon.

Generally, testnet tokens are distributed free of charge by the project developer. However, there are several ways to get them:

🚰 Through online faucets. Testnet tokens are most commonly distributed for free through the project’s website as a faucet.
🖥️ Participate in the development of the blockchain project. Users must first follow and perform various instructions to obtain testnet tokens.
⚒️ Mining testnet tokens. Some testnet networks allow users to mine testnet tokens.

The following article takes a closer look at crypto mining and how it works.

Conclusion

Testnet is a separate blockchain developer used to test their projects before deployment on the main network. It is a crucial element of the crypto ecosystem. It allows developers to create and test their new systems or applications safely and effectively. As for users, testnets can be an opportunity to try and understand how crypto works.

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